www.stradbrokemonthly.co.uk
December 2020/ January 2021
No.468
Census 2021 will provide a snapshot of modern society Households across Stradbroke will soon be asked to take part in Census 2021. The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941. It will be the first run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets. “A successful census will ensure everyone from local government to charities can put services and funding in the places where they are most needed,” Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at the Office for National Statistics, said. “This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, schools and new transport routes. That’s why it is so important everyone takes part and we have made it easier for people to do so online on any device, with help and paper questionnaires for those that need them.” Census day will be on March 21, but households across the country will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March. The census will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. And, for the first time, there will be a question asking people whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over on sexual orientation and gender identity. Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations. For more information, visit census.gov.uk.
This past year has been like no other! Thanks to all of Stradbroke for staying safe this year and supporting one another. Please stay safe over the holiday and we hope everyone has a prosperous, healthy and safe New Year!
See Page 20 for the latest news
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Local Churches
Stradbroke Baptist Church
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Stradbroke Baptist Church, Laxfield Road, Stradbroke, Suffolk Stradbroke Baptist Church Warmest greetings to you and your loved ones. We continue to pray for God’s grace, mercy and peace to be upon our community and for His protection and help in these testing times. Please let me know if there are specific matters for prayer we can also include. You would be most welcome to join us at our regular services and our (proposed) Christmas activities: Regular Services and Activities: Sundays: 10:15am Worship Service Thursdays: 1:30pm Bible Study & Intercessory Prayer Christmas Services and Activities: Sunday, December 20th 4pm Carols & Christmas Songs in the car park around the tree Christmas Eve 7pm Carols & Christmas Songs in the car park around the tree Christmas Day 10:15am Christmas Day Service We are fully compliant with the latest Government laws/safety guidance for COVID-19. A Christmas Story – ‘The Geese and the Snowstorm’ There was once a man who did not believe in either the virgin birth of Jesus Christ nor the spiritual meaning behind it, and was sceptical even about God. He and his family lived in a farming community. His wife was a committed Christian believer and diligently raised her children in the faith. He sometimes gave her a hard time about her belief and mocked her religious observances. "It's all nonsense -- why would God lower himself and become a human like us? Christmas & Christianity! It's such a ridiculous story," he said. One snowy eve, his wife and the children left for church while he stayed home. After they had departed, the wind picked up and with the falling snow turned into a nasty blizzard. He sat down to relax before the fire for the evening. Suddenly, he heard a loud thump against the kitchen window... and, still another…thump! He looked outside but couldn’t see anything. So he ventured out for a better view. In the field near his house he saw a large flock of geese desperately searching for some shelter from storm. The blizzard had become too violent for the geese to fly or see their way. They were stranded on his farm, with no food nor shelter, unable to do more than flutter their wings and fly in aimless circles. The farmer, moved with compassion wanted to help the geese. He thought to himself, the barn would be a great place for them to stay. It is warm and safe; surely they could spend the night and wait out the storm. So he quickly opened and pinned back the barn doors for them to enter in. He waited, watching them, hoping they would notice the light and the open barn and go inside. However, they didn’t seem to notice the barn or realize what it could mean for them. He moved closer toward them to get their attention, but they just moved away from him out of fear. He went into the house and came back with some bread, broke it up, and made a bread trail to the barn. They still did not catch on. Starting to get frustrated, he went over and tried to shoo them toward the barn. They panicked and scattered in every direction except toward the barn. Nothing he did could get them to go into the barn where there was warmth, safety, and shelter. Feeling totally frustrated, he exclaimed, "Why don't they follow me? Can't they see this is th only place where they can survive the storm? How can I possibly get them into the one place to save them?" He thought for a moment and realized that they just wouldn’t follow a human and said to himself, "How can I possibly save them? The only way would be for me to become like those geese. If only I could become like one of them. Then I could save them. They would follow me and I would lead them to safety." At that moment, he stopped and considered what he had said. The words reverberated in his mind: If only I could become like one of them, then I could save them. At that very moment, he understood God's heart towards mankind... that God became flesh, like one of us, and made his dwelling among us that first Christmas…so He could save us and lead us to eternal safety… when the farmer came to his senses he fell on his knees in the snow seeking God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness. ~Author Unknown~ John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. We would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and a peaceful year ahead! from all at Stradbroke Baptist Church. Bruce & Mary Francis 01379 388 744 or 07484 219 265 or by email at: psalm34.8@yahoo.com
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Local Churches
All Saints, Stradbroke
Revd Canon Susan Loxton 01379 388493, Church warden, Peter Chetwynd 384069 If you have any questions about Baptisms, Weddings or Funerals, or any questions about the Faith, please contact Revd Canon Susan. Services: National restrictions have prevented services in church in November sancroftbeneficechurches.org gives you the current inter-active link for a service of reflection, prayer and singing –only you will hear yourself! – ready for 9.30am every Sunday. This is also recorded so you can view later for yourself. For help with finding the links, call Revd Susan or Peter. A Christmas celebration is planned, if restrictions are lifted in December. The church will be open on Monday 21st, Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd December from 2pm to 4pm. You are warmly invited to walk round and enjoy the sparkle and light we need to be uplifted in this season. There will be craft packs for children and candles for all. It will be cold in the church, so come wrapped up for a wintery afternoon. Christmas Eve HC 11.15 pm at Fressingfield if restrictions are lifted Christmas Day service of Communion will be at 9 am in All Saints Stradbroke if restrictions are lifted Church heating: After the decision was made to change the system of heating in the church, the new cost of wiring and installing electrical heaters under the pews rose to £16,000. Further donations have been so generously given by the village to a total of £11,000. Grants have been applied for, but of course not guaranteed to be successful. If you have missed being able to make a donation to All Saints Church through service collections or supporting the usual fundraising events that could not happen, you can still do this through http://sancroftbeneficechurches.org/ and scroll down to ‘Giving’ and click for Stradbroke church . Some people who have received the Government Winter Fuel Allowance, but don’t feel they need it, have donated some of it to the church for heating – thank you so much. Christmas cancelled? No, it is not!
All Saints Church Fundraising Committee
Unfortunately, no fund-raising since last magazine but we have a raffle for a Xmas Hamper which is in the bakery, so do go and buy a ticket. This will be drawn out at our Xmas Cake Stall on December 12th. Hopefully the stall will be OK to carry on. Last, but not least. The Committee wishes Julie all the best for her upcoming operation, our thoughts and prayers are all with you. We look forward to seeing you all on the 12th December in Church Street. PS: The Hamper will help with the heating fund. Mary Ellis
From the Rectory…
Dear friends and neighbours I am pretty angry at the press and other forms of communications that are telling us that Christmas is cancelled! As I walked around a garden centre with a big ‘Christmas’ display of baubles and lights, fairies and toy soldiers… I wanted to shout out loud, ‘what has this got to do with Christmas’…. I have nothing against people decorating their homes with such things (I usually do it myself) but, they have nothing to do with the meaning of Christmas. Christmas is about celebrating God’s son, the Christ in Christmas, who was born into an earthly family, taught people that God’s love is for everyone, showed us how to live and suffered and died a painful death so that we could be reconciled with God, having his peace and joy here on earth and a place in heaven. The Christmas story is all about light and hope in the darkest of times. And, rather than dismiss the reason for the season, we should be proclaiming it from the rooftops because for most of us, this is one of the hardest ordeals we have had to suffer, and is exactly the right time to share God’s love and hope for all. Christmas like many other things will be different this year, but nevertheless, it is an important festival, especially for Christians, and we are going to do what we can to celebrate this wonderful story that is at the heart of our faith. I hope you will find a real sense of the true meaning of Christmas this year as we have to do things differently. As I have already said, Christmas is a time of hope and light in the darkness, and this year the meaning will perhaps be even more poignant. May the joy of the angels, the perseverance of the shepherds and the love of the holy family be with you this Christmas time. Amen. God bless, Susan
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Parish Pump
STRADBROKE PARISH COUNCIL Next full Parish Council meeting is scheduled for: 14th December 2020 Stradbroke Parish Council information: Details of all meetings can be found on: https://www.stradbrokepc.org/ Agendas for all Council meetings will continue to be issued only on the Parish Council website. All details of how the public can join the meeting remotely can be found on the website or on the agenda. MEETING OF STRADBROKE PARISH COUNCIL – 9th November 2020 Councillors co-opted Debbie Cotton-Soares and Jamie Wright to fill two of the outstanding vacancies. Two vacancies remain which the Council are hoping to fill via co-option, please contact the Clerk for details. Planning applications reviewed: DC/20/04570 – Change of use and conversion of 2no farm buildings to provide 1no dwelling and associated B1 business unit. Havensfield Farm, Fressingfield Road, IP13 8EN. The Council decided not to submit any comments. DC/20/04357 – Application for Listed Building Consent – Erection of clay pizza oven and external flue to rear extension. 2 Town House, Church Street IP21 5HT. SUPPORT with comment that MSDC officers pay attention to Heritage officer’s comments. Councillors noted MSDC planning outcomes as follows – DC/20/03522 – Penny Cottage, Pixey Green IP21 5NH GRANTED DC/20/03723 – Fairways, New Street IP21 5JJ GRANTED DC/20/04178 – Mill View, Laxfield Road IP21 5HY GRANTED Parish Council Updates: · Mid Suffolk – Joint Local Plan: Regulation 19 consultation starts 12 November and runs to 24 December. · The application to lift Condition 15 at Barley Brigg was deferred by Suffolk County Council to December. · The Clerk advised Councillors it was not appropriate to enter into correspondence or discussion on a planning appeal whilst a decision on the case has yet to be reached. · Councillors received a presentation from Earlswood Homes on their plans to develop the site south of Mill Lane which is included in the Neighbourhood Plan as Policy STRAD18. · County Broadband presented proposals to the Council on bringing “fibre to the premises” to Stradbroke, Councillors agreed to support and promote the proposal, but noted that in doing so the Council is not recommending that residents or businesses enter into a contract with the company. · A timetable for the works to the heaters and taps at the Health Centre is being agreed. · The solicitors are awaiting updates on the draft lease. · Suffolk Legal has made contact and will investigate the question of documentation to support the Land Registration. · A smart meter has been installed for the Community Shed. · A ROSPA inspection has taken place on the fitness equipment at the playing field. · Speedwatch – training has been deferred due to lockdown measures. · Councillors agreed to establish a Climate Change Working Party to be led by Toni Wisbey, Brett Baber offered to join and they would welcome any interest from residents. Available recordings of Parish Council meetings plus all papers, accounts and information can be accessed via the Parish Council’s website. Video recordings of recent meetings are available on the Parish Council Facebook page. Odile Wladon (Clerk) Mobile: 07555 066147 Email: stradbrokepc@outlook.com Website: https://www.stradbrokepc.org/ PC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StradbrokePC Address: Mill Hill House, Church Lane, Wickham Skeith IP23 8NA
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From The Chair..
At our November meeting we co-opted Jamie Wright and Debbie Cotton-Soares onto the council. We now have 11 councillors which means we still have two vacancies. If you would like to be considered for one of the vacancies please email Odile our clerk on stradbrokepc@outlook.com for more information. We were pleased to welcome Brett Baber to his first meeting as a newly co-opted councillor. The Council received two presentations, one from Earlswood Homes who are the developers behind a proposed new development behind the primary school south of Mill Lane and another from County Broadband. Earlswood Homes plan to submit an outline planning application for the site shortly which will be considered at a future Council meeting. This site is one of the five sites that are within the Stradbroke Neighbourhood Plan. The Council supported encouraging Stradbroke residents to express an interest in the County Broadband proposal to bring full-fibre Internet to the village. There is an article on p20 of this edition of The Stradbroke Monthly with more details about this and I would like to encourage as many people as possible to complete an expression of interest in the County Broadband service even if you are not sure if you will order the service yourself. The more people that express an interest the more likely it is that we can bring high speed internet to the village. Our next meeting is on Monday 14th December 7.30pm online and you can see details on our website at https://stradbrokepc.org about how to join the meeting. I’d like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year on behalf of Stradbroke Parish Council. James Hargrave, Chair of Stradbroke Parish Council
Suffolk Police
It’s not uncommon for Halesworth officers to attend reports of crime in our area and, on arrival, be told a witness had seen suspicious activity a day or so earlier, but had dismissed it and not reported it. Criminals often visit the area they intend targeting before committing crime in order to conduct a recce and gather their bearings. They do this in order to identify the easiest, most lucrative targets and reduce the time they need to spend in the area committing crime. If you see or hear suspicious behaviour, don't dismiss it. If the incident has just occurred or you think suspects are still in the area, report it using 999. Try & take note of the appearance of any individuals, especially their clothing, physical build & accent. If a vehicle is involved, the best information is the registration number, or the vehicle make, colour & model. Never put yourself in harms’ way to obtain these details though and don't make it obvious what you're doing. For more about suspicious activity & how to recognise it, see our #FirstPrinciple crime reduction page on the Suffolk Constabulary website at https://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/crimeprevention-z Suffolk Police (PC 187 Simon Green, Community Engagement Officer, Halesworth Police Station) Above advice from Halesworth Police on Facebook
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Here’s my advert!
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Want to advertise in The Stradbroke Monthly? Here’s the low down...
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How long can I have my advert in the Monthly?
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Advertisements are taken for a full year 01 April to 31 March. How much will it cost? Charges are dependent on the location of the advertiser as follows: Stradbroke based: Quarter page £52 pa Eighth page £37pa Non Stradbroke based: Eighth page £47pa Sponsored Inside Front Cover Page £25 per edition Flyers and Inserts are not accepted. What if I put my advert in mid year? Payment for adverts listed part way through the year is on a pro rata basis. Invoices are, thereafter, sent annually for payment in advance. If the space is no longer required please inform the Monthly as soon as possible!
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Rachel Lead
KFRP (Adv), LCSP (Phys), Cert Ed
Remedial Massage, Reflexology Touch for Health – Kinesiology One-One and Group sessions available via Zoom rachelpbck@gmail.com www.ukkinesiology.com 01379 388031 07733 105752
Please send your advert to editors@stradbrokemonthly.co.uk
Email: marty@martynorris.co.uk
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Dirty Oven??
Friendly & Helpful Service From Adie
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Organisations
Stradbroke Good Neighbours
Stradbroke Good Neighbours are now offering lifts to hospitals and Drs etc. We can only take one passenger sitting diagonally opposite the driver and masks and hand gel will be provided. We can have help from porters at the hospital if needed. Good Neighbours 07749445531 Jane Gemmill and the G N Committee Mid Suffolk District Council has reinstated brown bin garden waste collections. They have also requested that residents DO NOT HAVE BONFIRES the smoke & fumes can be very dangerous for neighbours with COVID-19
Stradbroke Court House and Library News
Stradbroke Library is pleased to announce that the request service is fully available for ordering books in and you can browse our shelves to take books out. We have some new greetings cards in and some lovely charity Christmas cards. There are some from Suffolk Libraries as well, so come in and have a look at what we have got and support our library and SCALT. We also have our usual Christmas gift cards, perfect for those that you have difficulty buying presents for. There are loads of different retail outlets to use them, also online shopping. I have decided that it is better and easier to stick to our usual method of coming into the Post Office for the Christmas period. 4 people are allowed in at any one time to allow for social distancing and if it is cold or wet, please queue in the dry in the Café room to wait for your turn. Thank you in advance for your patience. If you are worried about coming to use the Post Office/Library during the Christmas period when it is busy, due to anxiety, shielding or underlying health conditions, please give Maureen a ring 01379 384768 (when we are open) or mobile 07507802360 and we will try to arrange to fit you in for a visit, when we are not open to the general public. Come in and have a go on our Christmas Hamper raffle. It is £1 per square and all profit goes to the upkeep of the Court House. Obviously it has been a very lean year for fundraising due to Covid and we still have our all our bills to pay, so support us if you can. Hopefully next year it will be better. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our customers. Maureen John, Library/Post Office Manager
Stradbroke Primary School
Well what a busy, if slightly different, term we have had! It was so lovely to welcome all our families back and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our families for being so supportive and understanding over the last few months. Throughout the term we have enjoyed learning about Harvest, found out about different countries as part of our Language and Culture Week and, more recently, came together as a whole school outside to mark the two minute silence for Remembrance Day. We also had great fun on Children in Need with everyone (children and staff alike) dressing up in their pyjamas to raise money for the charity. As I write this, we are beginning to think about getting ready for Christmas and are looking forward to lots of our normal events, as well as some slightly different ones, to get us in the festive spirit. Well done to all of the children for working so hard this term and settling back into school really well. Thank you also to all of our hardworking staff who have really gone above and beyond to keep our children happy and healthy in school. Wishing everybody in our school and the wider community a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year. Mrs Hunt, Head of School
The FOSPS urgently need your help!
We’re currently helping the primary school to organise an amazing outdoor Forest School area for all pupils to use. We are in need of lots of supplies to help us set this up and are hoping you can help us by donating any spare items you have at home, such as: Pieces/planks of wood, wood boards/scaffold boards, tree stumps, poles and sticks, old shelving units, gardening tools, old counter tops, old sinks, wheelbarrows, old pots & pans and kitchen utensils, buckets & spades, plastic containers with lids, plastic jugs & funnels, etc. We also really need any second hand but good condition kid size: overalls, wellies, waterproof trousers, gardening gloves etc. If you think you can help us with any of the items above, please email us on friendsofstradbrokeprimary@gmail.com. Also if you can, we would really appreciate donations to our Go Fund Me page: https://uk.gofundme.com/f/fosps-outsidelearning-space-for-school Emma Hodson (chair of FOSPS)
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Friendly Professional Carer Offers quality care in your own home Personal care & associated tasks N.V.Q trained Trained in dementia Manual handling References available Contact Andrea 07872530567
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
Stradbroke Village Archive - What happened to Christmas?
Several years ago, over the festive season, we took a virtual tour of Stradbroke with the help of the 1851 census return and came across a toddler with the wonderful name of Christmas Ruffles. He was four years old and living at Barlow Green with his dad Samuel (a chimney sweep), mum, Mary Anne and three older brothers, George, Henry, and James. Christmas was born on 20th December 1846 and spent his childhood in the village, probably without an education as this was before the village school was built. His elder brother George left Stradbroke and went to London to earn a living and when Christmas was old enough, he followed. He settled in Woolwich securing accommodation in the heart of the town which meant he was near to both the Woolwich ferry, the main shopping street and round the corner from the Woolwich Arsenal and the army barracks. He met his life partner Jane and by the turn of the century Christmas and Jane had their own Fishmongers shop and were advertising their trade in a local directory. The good times came to an end when on 12th February 1905 at the age of fifty-eight, Christmas died leaving Jane, who continued with the family business until her death in 1923. However, there is a note to this story: From 1861 to 1891 there is nothing. There are no census records, tax records, event records, electoral records etc. which is odd. So, it looks like this festive holiday will be looking for Christmas again and trying to solve the problem of the missing years. Ann Readman, SARA
Radio Stradbroke
Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the studio.....Lockdown 2, the Sequel. With wide eyed optimism, the decision in March to broadcast 'live' every day sounded like fun. Nine months later, Radio Stradbroke continues to broadcast the 'Home Service' each day, already planning Christmas & New Year. Restrictions may or may not be lifted, it is comforting that we will still be there for the local Community, not to mention those all around the globe who keep in touch with the Village. One tradition we still covered was the wreath laying on Remembrance Sunday. With numbers restricted, our Facebook 'live' video allowed those unable to attend to feel part of it. By that Sunday evening the video had received 400 views. Another tradition is 'Marty's Christmas Crackers'. The man himself will be on the air on Christmas Morning as usual. Some things cannot be stopped, whatever the situation. Best wishes for 2021. Michael Hugman
White Hart Bowls bowl
The Tale of the Long-Distance Bowl - It all began in mid-July, 2020, when Roger & Julie Ward received an email which had come from a gentleman in New Zealand, via Don and Carol Darling on their Stradbroke Website. The gentleman in New Zealand named Graham Beale, had written to say that he had in his possession, an Antique Wooden Trophy Bowl, which had been found floating on the tide in the jetty beside the boat ramp in Tairua, North Island, NZ, his home town. This little Bowl had the inscription on a silver plate which read:-
Won from White Hart Club Stradbroke 1926 Graham was curious to find out how it had come all the way from England, hence him contacting the Stradbroke Website. Meanwhile he was busy making enquiries hoping to find the owner or family so he could return it to them. Here in Stradbroke, Roger and I were remembering our grandfather, Mr George Ward, of Church View, Stradbroke, who we knew had a brother named Jabez Eusebius Ward, who had emigrated to Christchurch, South Island, NZ, in 1900. Because Ralph and I had visited NZ in 2000 and met many descendants of Jabez, I contacted a number of them hoping to find out anything that might help solve the mystery. Sadly, the facts and dates etc. did not add up to link the trophy to the Ward Family. By now after several weeks, Graham having had no success, decided it was time for the Bowl to be returned to the WHBC, from where it had originated 94 years ago. The Bowl left NZ on 3 October and three weeks later it arrived safely, having been polished and beautifully securely packed. (I suspect by Graham’s wife Jen!) When trying to reimburse Graham for the ‘shipping’ costs, he declined, saying it was his donation to our Bowls Club. He added that he wished it had been possible for him to come to the UK and present it to the Club himself! The distance of the round trip of the little Bowl is estimated at 23,000 miles! If only it could talk and tell us who had won it and where it had been for all those years. When Covid precautions make it possible for the White Hart to open again, we hope to have the Bowl proudly on display. Ruth Chambers and Roger & Julie Ward
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01379 677 770
Poppies & Daisies Tearoom
Antique Restoration
Ian Brown LCGI
Come and visit our vintage style tearooms in the heart of Stradbroke. We offer classic Afternoon Teas, Cream Teas, Over 30 Loose Leaf Teas, Homemade Cakes & Scones and Hot & Cold Food Served all day
Poppies and Daisies 2 Town House, Church Street, Stradbroke, IP21 5HT Tel; 07921512052
Find us on Facebook & Instagram
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Letters To The Editors
COVID restrictions have prevented us from saying ‘goodbye’ to friends and neighbours. We are moving to County Wexford, Ireland, a new adventure for us. We had planned to have a get together, but lockdown intervened. We want to thank the many people who we have met and have been part of our lives over the past eight years.There are those who volunteer, especially those in the Court House café, (we hope it will be open again soon); the editors of the Stradbroke Monthly, who make sure it is printed on time and the people who deliver it; the Cricket Club, Radio Stradbroke and the other clubs and fundraising committees; the Parish Council, who work hard to make the village what it is and those who work in the Spar, the Bakery, Post Office and the Ivy House. We hope everyone has a Happy Christmas and a safe and healthy 2021. Lynda and Terry Rose
A big thank you to everyone who sent messages, flowers and presents for my Birthday, also for those who raised the flag, and for organising it. Each and every one of you helped to make it a most memorable day. Gwen Grayston Good afternoon, between a few of my family, we have been doing some family genealogy tracing. It appears that on page 14 of your March 2017 publication, my Great Grandfather Guy Ernest Mugridge Webb is pictured with his brother Alfred and mother, Lilla Charlotte Webb (nee Stokes). It has been really interesting to see where the family tree stretched on my Grandfathers side of the family. It also explains where his middle name came from as he was Ronald Alfred Webb, likely as not in memory of his Uncle Alfred who was killed at the Somme. Thank you for keeping these things alive, it's absolutely wonderful to see ancestral photos and puts a face to a name. Best wishes, Scott Reid
Lottery Bonus Winners
44 D Bickers; 35 J Chetwynd; 44 J Bedwell; 13 R Warne. £48 donated to the church. £48 donated to District Bowls Club. M Ellis
Useful Phone Numbers Fressingfield and Stradbroke NHS Medical Centres Fressingfield Medical Centre. Tel: 01379 586456 / 586227 Stradbroke Medical Centre. Tel: 01379 388313 / 384220 www.fressingfield-medical-practice.co.uk Samaritans: 116 123 24hours Citizens Advice: 03444 111 444 9am – 5pm weekdays Shelter: 0344 515 1860 8am - 8pm weekdays, 9am - 5pm weekends ACAS: 0800 470 0616 24hours Relate: 0300 0030396 BOOKING appt. Monday-Thursday: 8am to 8pm, Friday: 8am to 6pm, Saturday: 9am to 1pm Universal Credit: 0800 328 5644 Chemist 01379 870 233 (Eye) 01379 642 436(Diss Boots) Norfolk And Norwich University Hospital 01603 286 286 Ipswich Hospital 01473 712 233
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The Original Stradbroke Village Website! Now in its 19th year the Stradbroke Village Website brings you news, views and information about Stradbroke.
MARK BANCROFT PAVING SERVICES
Specialist in all types of paving and hard landscaping, driveways, patios, ornamental garden walls, water features, drainage and fencing. Pressure washing of drives and patios. Family run business with over 25 years experience. Fast friendly professional service. Fully insured and all work guaranteed. For a friendly visit with a free quotation call Mark on: 01379 677027 or Mobile 07768636618
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OPENING HOURS Monday to Friday 07:00-20:00 Saturday 07:00-18:00 Sunday 07:00-14:00 Phone number 01379 388547
Forthcoming Events
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Stradbroke Cinema
As long as the Government guidelines allow us to re-open, on December 17th we will be showing Emma. Jane Austen’s comedy about finding your equal and achieving your happy ending is reimagined in this delicious new film. A glittering piece about snobbery and the pain of growing up through misguided matches and romantic missteps. A snappy pace with beautiful costumes and locations provide a wonderful backcloth to excellent performances by Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn, Bill Nighy and Miranda Hart. We have not yet received the films for our Spring Season so are unable to let you know which one we will be showing in January. As soon as they arrive we will post the January film on the Village Website that is at www.stradbrokeonline.org.uk Doors open at 7pm and the film starts at 7.30pm. We ask you to wear a mask during the performance if you are not drinking or eating a snack from the bar. There will be no interval but the bar will be open from 7pm to 7.30pm Tickets will be on sale from December 1st via the online booking system - £5.50 for adults, £3 for 16s and under. Book early to avoid disappointment! Full details can be found on the Village website that is at www.stradbrokeonline.org.uk Roger Turkington and Jane Merritt
Syleham and Wingfield Village Hall
Syleham and Wingfield village hall remains closed at present - the Sports and Social committee will not be organising any Christmas activities, New Year celebrations or events in January, including our annual Senior Citizens' event, annual quiz or our participation in the National Village Halls' week. Further news on our next steps towards re-opening will come early in 2021. Thank you for your support. Best wishes to all, Julie Thompson
Children’s Society Coffee Morning
Tuesday 12 January, at Thirkettle Cottage, Queens Street. This year, because of the uncertainty surrounding Covid 19, we will not be holding our usual coffee morning but we would be grateful if you would drop off your boxes on the day. We will arrange another date for our coffee morning later in the year. Alison Hackett 388872
Car Park Carols
Car Park Carols will take place on Sunday 20th December at 4pm and 7pm at Horham Baptist Church (IP21 5ER). Celebrate the joy of Christmas at our very first drive-in, all-age carol service! Book you place and find more info at www.horhambaptist.org.uk (All vehicles must be pre-booked)
Join us on Saturday 12th December at 2pm for Bake-along-a-Christmas – a live baking extravaganza on YouTube with an all-age Christmas talk. A fun-filled time for all the family, and we’ll even provide the ingredients for you for FREE! For more info, or to register your place, visit www.horhambaptist.org.uk/christmas2020 Adam Blowes, Pastor
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Sports Roundup
Stradbroke Cricket Club
Being the last report of the year, it is customary to look back on the past twelve months at the Cricket Club. January's AGM saw a seamless transition in key posts, new Members joining the Committee, prospective new players keen to join. Just as Spring heralded a new season, Coronavirus shut it down just as quickly. The warmest, driest May on record witnessed only tumbleweed moving across the cricket square. Leagues were cancelled, nobody from Government downwards seemed willing to give the restart green light to the most socially distanced of team sports. When we did take to the field, July was just waving goodbye. We did play eight friendlies, against a backdrop of Covid measures, mostly common sense guidelines, making the delay all the more baffling. New faces popped in to watch some cricket. The result felt secondary, but nonetheless enjoyable. One new player kept his word to join, & promptly cleaned up the end of season awards, deservedly, I may say. We made it through, although Christmas may yet be cancelled, good news only for the Grinch & a few million turkeys! Then finally having felt that Covid had passed us by, our President, Don Lummis tested positive. Following a brief spell in Hospital, I am pleased to report that he is well on the mend. Some victories are more important than others. Best wishes for 2021. Michael Hugman
News & Views Borderhoppa
We are so pleased to announce that our full dial-a-ride service is back up and running. It has been a long period of uncertainty for everyone but we are now able to once again provide transport around the local area for our members. However, we all need to continue to be alert and take all the precautions we can while attempting to go about our usual business. Seating will be limited for a while to allow for the correct social distancing within the vehicle and we will ask passengers to use the hand sanitisers provided on the vehicles and to wear face masks. We are also asking that where possible, the driver is paid in the correct change as we are trying to limit the amount of cash that is passed around. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact the office on 01379 854800 or email adminborderhoppa@btconnect.com. We look forward to seeing you all soon! Borderhoppa
UPDATE! Buses and Other Services for Stradbroke
You can book our two community buses in advance for different services now during Covid 19. The offices are very friendly and helpful. Drivers are volunteers. Borderhoppa (pay up to ÂŁ10 pa to join) See advert in this magazine. Regular bus service to Harleston on Wednesday and Diss on Friday. 01379 854 800 Socially distanced: limited no of passengers, masks, deep cleaning, Covid safety first, etc. BSEVC - Passengers for medical appointments at present, one passenger at a time: deep cleaning, masks, etc, Covid safety first. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays - James will pick up small amounts of shopping, do posting, etc, if you phone ahead. Please phone the office regarding the service, as things may change. 01449 614271 118 - There is a limited 118 bus service from opposite The White Hart to Ipswich and back, Monday to Friday. Details are posted in the library and around the village. Toni Wisbey
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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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News & Views
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Faster and more reliable Broadband for Stradbroke The Parish Council’s broadband working group have been looking at options to get faster and more reliable broadband in Stradbroke. We looked at several options and have decided to work with County Broadband who are a local East Anglian supplier of high speed full-fibre broadband. They provide their broadband services to rural communities across Essex, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. Most recently they have started to supply villages in South Norfolk such as Bressingham, Pulham Market and Great Moulton. County Broadband provide what is called a fullfibre broadband service bringing a fibre-optic cable right to the door of every premises rather than relying on old-fashioned copper for the last part of the connection as BT’s fibre to the cabinet solution does. This enables two main benefits. · The connection is much faster. Currently most people in Stradbroke have connection speeds between 10Mbps and 30Mbps. Full-fibre connections are available from 50Mbs to up to 1000Mbps · The connection is much more reliable. Copper cables are an old-fashioned technology that was never designed for high speed internet. How would County Broadband do this? County Broadband are able to use the existing BT open reach infrastructure such as telephone poles and ducts in the pavement to bring their fibre cables to the door of each house. Some people might need some work done such as digging a trench and this would be individually agreed. All installation is included free if you decide to take a connection from County Broadband. How much would this cost? Installation is always free. Current prices for broadband are shown below: Speed
Cost per month Notes
50Mbs
£28
Six months free 300Mbs trial
300Mbs
£48
£28 for first six months
600Mbs
£55
£29.50 for first six months
900Mbs
£80
If you also want a landline telephone then prices are below: Plan
Cost per month Service
Basic
£6
Unlimited calls to UK Landlines starting 01, 02, 03
Standard
£13
Unlimited calls to UK Landlines starting 01, 02, 03 and UK Mobiles
International
£17
Unlimited calls to UK Landlines starting 01, 02, 03 and UK Mobiles plus selected international numbers
Please help to get this option for the whole village! Express an interest in the service without any commitment to buy! To bring the service to Stradbroke, County Broadband needs “expressions of interest” from around 40% of Stradbroke households. Expressing an interest does not mean that you are committing to buy the service just that you will receive further information from them and be offered the chance to place an order. To express an interest: 1) Go to https://countybroadband.co.uk/ 2) Where it says “let’s get you started” enter your postcode into the box and click “go” 3) Scroll down the page until you see the “register your interest” option, click “go” Fill the online form in with your details and click “register” (If you had a form sent to you in the post you can also fill that in and return it.) When could this happen? If enough people express an interest the project moves into the second phase (orders) and then if enough orders are placed into the third phase (design and build). Once the service is built then County broadband will be in touch to arrange individual connections. This could happen later in 2021. More information Check out Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/FullFibreStradbroke James Hargrave, Broadband Working Group
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Etheridge Nurseries Laxfield Road, Tel: 384204 Mob 07881 440140
Handmade Holly Wreaths available along with many trees ranging from potted to 9ft trees, large variety of Nordmann Fir or Norway Spruce. In the shop we have a variety of local fruit and vegetables with bags of local potatoes at £8, nets of local onions at £3 a bag plus many more items to stock up with this Christmas. Please check out our Facebook Page “Etheridge Nurseries” for more information on all our Christmas supplies. Contact us on 01379 384204 if you have any further enquiries.
Passmore Weeks & Richardson
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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
For your Lawnmower & Small Engine Repairs and Servicing Tel: Phillip Cleveland on 388306
Goddess Beauty is a beauty and skin clinic based in Stradbroke. Annabel has over 10 years experience in the beauty industry. Offering the highest quality products and treatments including: Manicure Pedicure Bio sculpture gel Waxing Spray Tan Environ Skincare Jane Iredale Skincare Make Up Lynton lasers - a medical grade IPL system for hair removal and skin rejuvenation I can help with acne, pigmentation, thread veins, port wine stains and much more. For more information check out our website www.goddess-beauty.co.uk Call 07535656044 39 Westhall, Stradbroke
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.
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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
Open 8:00am - 5:30pm Mon-Fri, 8:00am - 12 noon Saturdays Barley Hall, Laxfield Road, Stradbroke, IP21 5NQ Located on the B1117 1 3/4 miles outside Stradbroke towards Laxfield.
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Hammond Garden & Countryside Services Matthew Hammond
Felix Cottage Horham, Eye Suffolk IP21 5EG Tel: 01379 384643
E J BROWN Builder
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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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
Dan Poulter, MP
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As I sit to write this article, the Prime Minister has once more addressed the nation and we find ourselves in a second period of national lockdown. As I write, infection rates in Suffolk remain relatively low, but the rest of the country is seeing a large growth both in terms of numbers of people infected and hospital admissions; even low incidence areas like Suffolk will face challenges with capacity in our NHS. It is a very difficult balancing act for the Government between protecting life and protecting the economy and on balance, I agree that, even here in Suffolk, a temporary nationwide lockdown makes sense. It is vital that throughout lockdown, we protect jobs and our local economy, and a strong support package has been put in place by the Government for businesses and individuals. Locally, the Suffolk Support and Advice Line has been set up to help with financial and employment advice - 0800 068 3131. In addition, the Home But Not Alone free phoneline has also been reactivated, supporting the most vulnerable in our communities and support is available via 0800 876 6926. Both lines are staffed from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. This will undoubtedly be a very different Christmas for all of us and this year, more than ever, we must remember those in our NHS and emergency services who work around the clock to keep people safe and cared for and to ensure help is at hand when needed. I will certainly be spending some of my Christmas break working as a doctor in the NHS, looking after those who are vulnerable. But of course it’s not just those working in hospitals who work on Christmas Day, the list is endless, with so many working right across the festive season to ensure that services continue day and night – carers visiting the elderly and vulnerable in our communities, highways teams, ambulance staff and paramedics, firefighters and police officers, to name but a few. And 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, so 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 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 our dedicated and hardworking workforce here in Suffolk, thank you for all you do at Christmas, and all year round. In closing, may I take this opportunity to wish you and your families a very peaceful Christmas. www.drdanielpoulter.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.
PLEASE MENTION THE STRADBROKE MONTHLY WHEN CONTACTING ADVERTISERS!
Village Diary December 1st 12th 12th 14th 17th 20th 20th 25th January 11th 12th 22nd
Radio Stradbroke on air from 10 am www.radiostradbroke.co.uk, and every day All Saints Church Fund Raising Committee Cake stall in Church Street (see page 4) Bake-along-a-Christmas at 2pm (see page 2) Parish Council meeting – all can join remotely (see page 6) Stradbroke Cinema showing ‘Emma’ in the Community Centre (see page 17) Stradbroke Baptist Church Christmas Carols in the car park (see page 3) Horham Baptist Church Car Park Carols (see page 2) Radio Stradbroke presents Marty’s Christmas Crackers (see page 12) Parish Council meeting – all can join remotely (see page 6) Children’s Society Coffee Morning box drop-off (see page 17) **Deadline for submissions for February edition strictly by this date PLEASE!**
COVID19 - LIFE IN STRADBROKE PROJECT It’s a COVID Christmas?
The Stradbroke Archive and Record Association (SARA) has set up a new online archive to capture what life is like in lockdown for the residents of Stradbroke. It is hoped that by collecting our social history of this global event in real time, that generations to come will have a real window into our village experience in 2020/21 This new archive is slightly different to the other two online archives, it is designed to allow really easy upload by villagers of their contributions - anyone can add photographs, short videos, memories (as text) and audio recordings from computers, tablets and mobile phones! SARA want to capture the every day types of experiences as well as the special events such as VE Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day etc... PLEASE UPLOAD ANY OF YOUR CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS, ZOOM PARTIES, COVID CHRISTMAS CARDS, and CREATIVE NEW YEARS CELEBRATIONS. SARA want the village of now and in the future to see how the global pandemic has changed and affected our day to day life, so join in and add your experiences. Go to
https://pandemic.stradbrokearchive.org.uk