www.stradbrokemonthly.co.uk
Featured in your Stradbroke Monthly this month! Radio Stradbroke are seeking volunteers for Stradbroke Music Day on 9th July. If you want to join in the fun, details on page 10!
Is it time to dig out your cricket whites and get that exercise you promised yourself after Christmas? Stradbroke Cricket Club are looking for players! Join now! Details page 18!
March 2022
No.480
Stradbroke Parish Council are looking for a new Tree Warden and a new Footpath Warden! If you are interested in volunteering, details on page 6!
Fancy a walk? Stradbroke Strollers welcome new walkers to their weekly walking group. More details on how to join them on page 17!
Suffolk Libraries Day - Saturday March 12th
Come and sign up to ‘Pose On The Magistrates Throne’ for the #TheStinkingGreatRead @Stradbroke Library and make a donation to Suffolk Libraries Day (or if you prefer just sign up and donate). I don’t like my photo taken either, but I did pose with ‘Gone With The Wind’. There are lots of books with amusing, lavatorial humour, that we have but you could pose with any book of your choice from the library. With agreement from some of our ‘posers’, we will make a photo montage to hang on our Court House wall, as well as a slideshow to post on our Facebook page. Do follow Stradbroke Library & Post Office on Facebook to see who is currently ‘Posing On The Throne’, if you have any spare change, you can ‘Chuck it in our Privy bucket’ and it would be fantastic to reach the top!! Maureen John, Stradbroke Library
Sponsored Page
Local Churches
Stradbroke Baptist Church
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Laxfield Road, Stradbroke, Suffolk, 01379 388 744 Sundays: 10:15 Worship Service (Between 45 & 60 minutes, followed by a cuppa & a chat) Thursdays: 13:30 Prayer & Share Time Come and ‘Meet Thy Neighbour’ at our Friendship Lunches After careful consideration, prayer and much encouragement we have decided to recommence the lunches. We will have a few simple procedures upon entry to help protect against COVID but do ask, if you have any COVID symptoms for the safety of all, not to attend. Lunches in March: Wednesday, 9 March (A two course meal) Wednesday, 23 March (‘Soup ‘n’ Sweets’) th
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Following lunch we have a short quiz or brain teaser along with a general item of interest. There is no charge for the meals although most folk make a small donation to cover the costs. The meals as always are open to all, and all ages, however, for catering purposes please make a booking with Bruce on 388-744 should you wish to attend. If you are in need of transport we have a number of volunteers who would be most happy to assist you. Lunches generally finish around 2:30pm. A sincere ‘Thank You’ to all those who made donations towards the cost of roof repairs. The work is just about finished now. Again we apologise for any inconvenience this caused with extra vehicles and noise. Something to Ponder… For the Seen & Unseen Events of Life… (A prayer/poem/song by Hillsong)…… Hide me now under Your wings, cover me within Your mighty hand Find rest my soul in Christ alone, know His power in quietness and trust When the oceans rise and thunders roar. I will soar with you above the storm. Father, You are King over the flood. I will be still and know You are God. Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Please let me know if I/we can pray for you or your loved ones. May God’s grace, mercy and peace be upon each one in our community, Bruce 01379 388 744 or 07484 219 265 or
psalm34.8@yahoo.com
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
Contact Club The contact club takes place every Tuesday in Stradbroke Community Centre. We are open from 10.00 am for coffee and a chat, we play cards, bingo etc. There will be a small charge of £1.00 to help our funds. If you would like to stay to lunch which is served at 12.00, it’s an extra £2.00. The Contact Club has been running 20 years to help the older community contact one and other, but is more important now than ever after the isolation we all faced through the Covid Pandemic. If you would like to join us on a Tuesday please contact myself. We would be happy to welcome you. stella.goddard@yahoo.com or 01379 384704 Stella Goddard
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Local Churches
All Saints, Stradbroke All Saints Church Stradbroke. Revd Canon Susan Loxton 01379 388493.Church warden, Peter Chetwynd 01379 384069 If you have any questions about Baptisms, Weddings or Funerals, or any questions about the Faith, please contact Revd Canon Susan Services: 6th March 10.30 am Café church, coffee and biscuits before we start. 20th March 8.30 am BCP Holy Communion, a short, spoken service. 20th March 9.30 am Morning Prayer by Zoom service. Phone Peter or Susan for the link For other services each week across the Benefice, see church noticeboard. 3rd April 10.30 am Café church, coffee and biscuits before we start. Also find us on our website: sancroftbeneficechurches.org for all the activities across the benefice. 3-session course for Lent – Hope Explored: Hope, Peace and Purpose In person, Friday mornings, 10-11.30 am on 11th & 25th March, 8th April in Sancroft Hall, Fressingfield. By Zoom, Wednesday evenings, 7-8.30 pm on 9th & 23rd March, 6th April You do not need to be a bible scholar, and if you don’t want to say anything but just listen, that’s OK. To register for either, please speak to Revd Susan 388493. For a lift to Fressingfield call Jennifer 384069
All Saints Church Fundraising Committee
The Cake stall in February raised £125. Thanks for all the cakes, The cash Bingo was well supported and raised £227.90. In March we are holding a Pancake and Beetle Drive on 1st March in the Chapel Room £3. On the 9th March A cake stall with Roly selling potatoes to grow for the village show. 26th March we have the book and puzzle sale in Church with a wood turning sale10am—1pm. Books needed and can be left in church. This year we are having cash bingo on April 8th. The Annual Art Exhibition is on 27th April—2nd May. Entries to Mary Ellis 01379 384642. Thanks for your continued support to keep our church viable. Mary Ellis Upcoming Events: May 28th Car Boot Sale on Playing Fields, 10-3; June 4th Cake Stall and Pennies on the wall; June 10th Cash Bingo in Community Centre; July 23rd Village Produce Show in Community Centre; August 12th Cash Bingo, August 20th Garage Sale, September 17th Jumble Sale in Church; October 14th Cash Bingo; October 29th Craft Fair in Community Centre; November, Christmas Hamper December 9th Cash Bingo; December 17th Cake Stall.
From the Rectory
Dear friends and neighbours, March 2nd is the beginning of the church time of Lent, leading us to Easter. Both are an important part of the Christian calendar. The season of Lent lasts for forty days (not including Sundays). It is a time when Christians reflect and prepare for the celebrations of Easter. Some people fast, eat frugally or give up treats following the example of Jesus, who fasted for forty days in the wilderness. People also give to charity, set aside time to study the bible and meet with other Christians to reflect on Jesus' life and prepare for the events of Holy Week and Easter. This year, we are remembering the cry of the Prophet Isaiah: ‘Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice?’ So we are trying to Live Lent by Embracing Justice It invites us to examine our own lives truthfully, to see the world more deeply and to pray – for the church and the world far and near – that ‘justice may roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream’ (Amos 4.24). You might like to consider 40 Days of Kindness this Lent, and join people all over Suffolk in simple acts of community kindness from phone trees to thank you surprises and help with practical issues. So much has been cancelled over the past 2 years but in Suffolk, and Stradbroke, love has not been cancelled. Bishop Martin gives us this encouragement: ‘We are not made to live divided and separated, each going our own way to our own fate. And we have seen during the pandemic, as people have been drawn together, a realisation, even if fleeting, that we are really all part of the same human family, and I would say, all God’s children.’ God Bless and Take Care, Rev Susan
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Chiropodist/Podiatrist Surgery at Stradbroke, by appointment only. Call 01379 384126/ Mob 07985 377891 Diploma of Podiatric Medicine 25+ Years experience HCPC registered - No CH18193
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Parish Pump
Next full Parish Council meeting is scheduled for: 14th March 2022 Stradbroke Parish Council information: • There is a vacancy on the Parish Council which Councillors are hoping to fill via co-option. If you are interested in the role, please contact the Clerk (details below) or any Councillor. • The Parish Council would like to hear from anyone who is interested in taking on the voluntary roles of Footpath Warden and Tree Warden. MEETING OF STRADBROKE PARISH COUNCIL – 14th February 2022 Planning Applications reviewed: DC/21/06824 – Land at Fennings Farm OBJECTION DC/21/06803 – Lime Tree Farm, Laxfield Road COMMENTS SUBMITTED DC/21/06895 – Land off Laxfield Road, Neaves Lane IP21 5JS SUPPORT DC/22/00044 – 29 Woodfields IP21 5JQ SUPPORT Planning Applications decided by MSDC: DC/21/06092 – 27 Shelton Hill IP21 5HZ GRANTED DC/21/06391 – New Street Farm, New St. IP21 5JG NO OBJECTIONS DC/21/06735 – 3 Wheatsheaf Cottages, IP21 5HH GRANTED Road names: The following road names have been chosen from suggestions submitted by the Parish Council for the new development off New Street – Cooper Gardens, Webb Walk and Smith Way. In honour of Mr and Mrs Cooper, and Stradbroke photographers Harry Webb and Geoffrey Smith. Also submitted were photographers Girling and Ryle and it is hoped these may be chosen next time. Joint Local Plan: MSDC will now split this into 2 parts after the examination of the draft plan was paused. Parish Council updates: • Councillors reviewed a report on the responsibility for the ditch at the tennis court area; this will be sent to the Community Centre management committee for review and a decision on land ownership to be agreed. • The mobile ANPR (speed camera) scheme should commence in June/July – Stradbroke will be on the rota. • Repairs to the drain pipe on the chapel were carried out. • A schedule of works for the play parks and fitness equipment in accordance with the RoSPA report. • Councillors have identified the area beside the Health Centre as a suitable location for a grit bin. • The 3rd quarter accounts were reviewed and no major over/under spends were noted. • Annual monitoring of the Neighbourhood Plan highlighted that no formal review is necessary at this time. • An energy project – PV panels on the roof at the health centre - was approved in principle. • The outcome of a review of working hours was approved. • Councillors approved two CIL Projects as follows: o Repair to the pavilion at Stradbroke & District Bowls Club. o New practice area for cricket. Odile Wladon (Clerk) Mobile: 07555 066147 Email: clerk@stradbrokepc.org Website: https://www.stradbrokepc.org/ PC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StradbrokePC Address: Mill Hill House, Church Lane, Wickham Skeith IP23 8NA
Parking on Queens Street / Church Street junction:
The Parish Council requests that all residents respect the highway code and leave space around the junction to help visibility and to make the junction safer. The Council would also ask owners of high sided vehicles to consider parking further away from the junction as these vehicles, even if parked in accordance with the highway code, can block visibility for other road users. Odile Wladon (Clerk)
BSEVC Buses Covering Ipswich and Mid Suffolk
Door to door for work, medical appointments, social activities, shopping, school college. To book: 01449 614271 Lines open 9am-4pm, Mon-Fri Book ahead! Socially-distanced small bus. Monday to Saturday, if drivers available. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday available more frequently in Stradbroke. A Wisbey
From The Chair..
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It was nice to be back in the Court House for our February meeting after our December meeting was cut short and January meeting cancelled due to the Omicon variant outbreak. It is also good to see three of the street names the PC proposed have now been agreed by Mid Suffolk District Council for the new development off New Street. The first name “Cooper Garden” named in honour of the family currently owning the land and two Stradbroke photographers (Webb Walk and Smith Way) named after Harry Webb and Geoffrey Smith. We also submitted two other photographers (Girling and Ryle) and hope these may be considered for future developments. You can find out more and see the work that these photographers created in the Stradbroke Village Archive at https://www.stradbrokearchive.org.uk/ and the dedicated Geoffrey Smith archive at http://www.stradbrokearchive.org.uk/gsa/. The work of these photographers gives us a real insight into Stradbroke village life in the past. The naming of the streets for the first development in the Stradbroke Neighbourhood plan reminds us that the plan is still important for the village today. Councillors reviewed the plan, as we do each year, and we agreed that it is currently fit for purpose, and we don’t need to undertake a formal review at this time. In local planning news, Thurston Parish Council won an important court case against Mid Suffolk District Council. Mid Suffolk had decided to approve a development not in the Thurston Neighbourhood Plan and the Parish Council successfully argued in court that the District Council should have had more regard to the neighbourhood plan when they made the decision and the court have overturned MSDC’s decision. Given that the District Council’s own Local Plan is now very out of date, our Stradbroke Neighbourhood Plan is the key document for planning decisions in the village. Another benefit of the plan is that we now qualify to receive 25% (rather than a capped rate of a maximum of 15%) of all “community infrastructure levy” (CIL) money. This is money paid to the Council when new developments are built. We are already seeing the benefit of this and were pleased to be able to fund two sports related infrastructure projects—one to repair the pavilion at Stradbroke & District Bowls Club and a new practice area incorporating nets on the playing field for cricket. The Stradbroke Parish Infrastructure Investment Plan (PIIP) details what we intend to spend CIL money on as we receive more of it from new developments, including a new nursery building, highways improvements and improvements to the chapel at the cemetery. Our next meeting is on Monday 14th March 7.30pm at the Courthouse James Hargrave, Chair of Stradbroke Parish Council
Trailer Thefts
The past few weeks have seen a number of thefts of trailers in our part of Suffolk. Some have clearly been lifted over obstacles, so thieves must be acting in groups. One particular trailer even had a hitch lock attached. It’s possible it was attached to a towing vehicle by rope, very dangerous and risky to other traffic. A ground anchor is the best security for a trailer as well as a hitch lock. These screw into the ground and are used with a good quality padlock & chain. A grinder is needed to cut through the chain, but a quality chain will be difficult to cut & take some time to do so. This is often enough to put off thieves. Also in the same area, have occurred several thefts of heritage post boxes. These are the smaller post boxes attached by metal loops to street furniture. Thieves are stealing them in daylight hours with the use of a portable grinder and selling them for their heritage value, not for scrap. A quick review of on-line auctions shows these selling for around £400 each, and described as “replicas”. Please report any suspicious activity to Police on 999 if it’s occurring then & there or by the use of our on-line reporting tool on the Suffolk Constabulary website at: https://www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us/report-something or the 101 Tel. No. For crime reduction advice, see the First Principle page on the Suffolk Constabulary website at https://www.suffolk.police.uk/crime-prevention-z Simon Green, PC 187, Community Engagement Officer
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Here’s my advert!
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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!
Please send your advert to editors@stradbrokemonthly.co.uk
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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
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Friendly & Helpful Service From Adie
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Organisations
Stradbroke Court House and Library News
You probably noticed the workmen outside the Court House a couple of weeks ago, digging up the road. We had a burst water pipe, an old, galvanised water pipe had sprung holes in several places and water was rushing under the manhole cover like a torrent. My thanks to Sandra Hawes for alerting me to the problem. The workmen expected it to take a couple of days but it ended up being a week because the further they dug, the more holes in the pipe were exposed. It is now all fixed and after days of no water everything is back to normal. Please support us on Suffolk Libraries Day on Saturday March 12th because the Library /Post Office are at the heart of our community. We were open through all the Covid lockdowns to provide an essential service to all our customers. See inside cover! Come and sign up to ‘Pose On The Magistrates Throne’ for the #TheStinkingGreatRead @Stradbroke Library and make a donation to Suffolk Libraries Day (or if you prefer just sign up and donate). I don’t like my photo taken either, but I did pose with ‘Gone With The Wind’. There are lots of books with amusing, lavatorial humour, that we have but you could pose with any book of your choice from the library. With agreement from some of our ‘posers’, we will make a photo montage to hang on our Court House wall, as well as a slideshow to post on our Facebook page. Do follow Stradbroke Library & Post Office on Facebook to see who is currently ‘Posing On The Throne’, if you have any spare change, you can ‘Chuck it in our Privy bucket’ and it would be fantastic to reach the top!! The Café will be open on Suffolk Libraries Day from 9.30am until 3pm serving our usual refreshments and light lunches of filled rolls, coleslaw and Kettle crisps. We have a raffle and guess Mr Fixit’s first name (a lovely toy that Café volunteer Marion made and donated to us) books and jigsaws for sale and other stalls and attractions, so please call in and get involved. It will be great fun. Our amazing Stradbroke Tapestry project starts on Sunday 27th February, and we are fully booked for this but there will be some creative packs available at the library for children to take part in at home, which can be included into our tapestry celebration. Call in and ask for one, if you are interested. Maureen John Library/ Post Office Manager
Radio Stradbroke
Before you read our next report, Radio Stradbroke will have celebrated two years of continuous daily broadcasts throughout the pandemic, which has not been the simple task it appears to be, but shows little sign of stopping. Our next 'public' appearance will be at the 'Big Jubilee Lunch' on Sunday 5th June, part of Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum celebrations. Look forward to seeing many of you. More details next month. 'Stradbroke Music Day' is never far from our thoughts. The checklist of tasks lengthens as quickly as we tick them off. We are getting there, but still need as many volunteers as we can get to help set up, or on the day. Remember, it is a FREE festival, we are doing it for the Community. Again, details to follow, but be assured that 'Planet Abba' are headlining, supported by 'Walkway', 'Little Red Kings', and 'Breeze Redwine', with more acts to be announced. Thank you for supporting www.radiostradbroke.co.uk Michael Hugman
Stradbroke Parish Council Climate Change Group
Stradbroke Parish Council Climate Change Group Groundwork East Green Champions Follow up Survey Groundwork East, working on behalf of Suffolk County Council, have asked Stradbroke householders to take a second, final 5 minute survey on their household energy saving habits (whether they have modified or not) since ·Green Champions visited 400 households in October ·articles in the Stradbroke Magazine, etc and village posters ·Advice leaflets and tips on request in the library. Groundwork East will review and compare the household actions of villagers towards savings in energy, to see what impact Groundwork had, and how much carbon has been saved by Stradbroke. www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/HQV3L7V Please note: Survey closes 28th February, 2022 Links available online at the Stradbroke Village Website (www.stradbroke.org.uk) and Stradbroke Parish Council on Facebook. You may also call Sarah Gill on 07720 098980 if you prefer the survey by telephone. Thank you everyone! Toni Wisbey, SPC Climate Change Group
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KENT SKIPS
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
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Organisations
Stradbroke Village Archive
This year we will celebrate the 70th year of Queen Elizabeth II reign, which began on 6th February 1952 when her father, King George VI died at Sandringham House, Norfolk. At that time, The Queen was in Kenya, with her husband Prince Philip, where they received the news of his death, and returned immediately to England to attend the funeral at Windsor Castle which was held on 15th February 1952. At the same time as the funeral, Canon K E Shaw held a memorial service in All Saints Church. The large congregation included the men and women of the British Legion, members of the Fire Brigade, Police, Special Constabulary, and the Parish Council. The lesson was read by Mr N Annison, the organists where Mrs N Ling and Mr H A Bullen. It’s hard to imagine that, at that time, very few homes had either television or telephone. To know what was happening you would need to tune into a radio station and/or buy a newspaper. . . which is how we know today how the village mourned the passing of the King and the welcoming of the new young Queen. Stradbroke Village Archive have noticed the lack of village records for the millennium, the coronation and some other important national events. So much of the archive has come from donors who hold photographs either taken by their family or come from the work of Henrietta Ryle, William Girling, Harry Webb and/or Geoffrey Smith. We hope this year to follow the long traditions of the past and commission a village photographer to record life in the village over 2022/3. Source: BNA, Stradbroke Village Archive, Wikipedia Ann Readman SARA
Borderhoppa
The Borderhoppa 2022 outings leaflet is now available. We have many trips arranged throughout the year including pub lunches, garden centres, the coast, mystery tours, boat trips and many more. You can pick up a leaflet at your local library, information centre, GP surgery, from one of our drivers or by calling the office and we’ll post one to you. Borderhoppa outings for March 2022: Monday 7th – Lunch at The White Horse, Stoke Ash – Fare £7.00 Monday 14th – Norwich City Centre – Fare £15.00 Monday 21st – Halesworth & Lunch at The Angel Inn – Fare £15.00 Monday 28th – Beccles – Fare £10.00 Some outings do have limited space so please book early to avoid disappointment. For more information or if you would like a copy of our 2022 outings leaflet, please contact us on 01379 854800 or email adminborderhoppa@btconnect.com Borderhoppa
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NICK RUSH GARDEN SERVICES
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Forthcoming Events
Over 60s
We have enjoyed getting back to our usual meetings for the New year, our next meeting will be March 3rd when we will be having a go at Kurling, (not Olympics standard) or playing cards, scrabble etc, and then a meeting on March 17th for a game of Hoy. We have lots of other activities planned for the year, including three outings. All new members welcome, we meet 2 - 4pm at the Stradbroke Community Centre, the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month. Email: carole.sach123@btinternet.com Carole Sach
Syleham and Wingfield Village Hall (IP21 4LT)
Did you know - our Coffee, Craft, Chat on the last Thursday of the month 1.30 - 3, also now includes half an hour of chair based exercise - come promptly at 1.30 to join the exercise, then we'll put the kettle on! All welcome. Did you also know - volunteer transport is available for this afternoon get together - please contact Julie in the first instance if you would like a car driver to collect you. juliethompson435@gmail.com or text 07929794636 The pedestrian gate to J's Meadow - down the footpath opposite Syleham and Wingfield village hall - is always open, enjoy the views over the Waveney Valley. Park in the village hall car park/ or walk to J's Meadow and take advantage of our beautiful area where seating, frisbees, standing net are provided. Looking ahead we have some exciting and varied events in the coming months we would like to let you know about : Saturday 26th March = singer Marc James Saturday 23rd April = Jumble Sale Thursday 19th May = Eastern Angles theatre production 'Booming Voices'. Come and join us on a Tuesday or Friday when the social club open the bar - SWSSC annual membership still only 3.50 (3.00 concs) Open mic on first Friday, Karaoke on second Friday, often Quiz on third Friday, Bingo on last Friday. There's always pool, darts and board games available! Julie Thompson
Robin Hood Pantomime
Robin Hood - Having put on a pantomime every year since 2006 (excepting 2021), Puzzle House Pantomimes are back with a traditional fun-filled family show. Six actors play a range of characters in a show full of songs, live keyboard music, thrills, spills and fun! The one act panto lasts 75 minutes. All tickets £7 and must be booked in advance. Box office 01379 384656. No tickets will be on sale on the door. All shows start at 3.00pm and finish at 4.15 pm. THORNDON. Thorndon Village Hall, IP23 7XL. Saturday 26th February. WINGFIELD. Wingfield Barns IP21 5RA. Sunday 27th February. HOXNE. St Edmund's Hall, Goldbrook, Hoxne IP21 5AN. Saturday 5th March. Roy Preston, Puzzle House Pantomimes
Circle Dancing
The Circle Dancing group meet from 2pm - 4pm on alternate Tuesdays. Come and watch or join in at Stradbroke Community Centre. March dates are Tuesday 1st March, 15th March and 29th March. For more information please contact Thelma 870720 or Vivienne 384118 Vivienne Goffee
Lottery Bonus Winners
28 E Nunn £25, 46 B Whiting £25, 48 D Bickers £25, 49 J Chetwynd £25. Donations to Over 60s and Contact Club. M Ellis
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Stradbroke.org.uk The Original Stradbroke Village Website! Now in its 20th 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
Discount for Mid Suffolk based groups and businesses!
Forthcoming Events
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The Stradbroke Strollers (formerly The Stradbroke Walking Group)
We are a community-led informal Walking Group who meet every Thursday and are back with our new name! Please come along and join us for a friendly, gentle 45 minute -1 hour walk and chat around this beautiful Village, meeting outside the Stradbroke Court House at 10.30am. Longer walks can be arranged too, as long as we have enough Walk Leaders. Unless it is really raining or blowing a gale, we will be walking! Everyone is welcome, whatever your age or ability - all you need are sensible shoes and clothing – and we look forward to seeing you and enjoying a chat with a cup of tea, coffee and cake in the Stradbroke Courthouse Café afterwards. Please be aware that you will be walking at your own risk but I know it will be a really enjoyable stroll. For more information contact Dennis Merritt Tel: 01379 388 382. Email: dennis_merritt@hotmail.com
RoughCast Theatre presents Macbeth
RoughCast Theatre presents Macbeth - March 14th – April 3rd "Light thickens, and the crow makes wing to the rooky wood. Good things of day begin to droop and drowse; While night's black agents to their preys do rouse." Scottish general Macbeth, fresh from his greatest and bloodiest triumph, receives a prophecy from three witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, Macbeth murders King Duncan and takes the Scottish throne. Wracked with guilt and paranoia, he hangs on to his throne until the bitter and bloody end. RoughCast return, bringing their trademark clear and fast-paced story-telling to Shakespeare's most gothic and gory tragedy. Performing at: Old King’s Head, Brockdish Diss Corn Hall St Mary’s Church, Bungay Hartismere School,Eye Beccles Public Hall Sir John Mills Theatre, Ipswich The Cut, Halesworth Wingfield Barns. For more details please visit www.roughcast.co.uk or tel 01379 586745 Pat Parris
Stradbroke & District Bowls Club
The next Cash Bingo is on 11th March in the Community Centre at 7.30pm. Then on 14th March the club is holding another Pudding Party and Blind Auction at 7,30pm in the Community Centre. This includes a 2 course meal and 1 free drink for £8. Please bring a wrapped parcel to be sold. Tickets from M Ellis or club members. The club will open in April. M Ellis
Letters To The Editors I would like to thank everyone for the lovely cards and letters and support received for myself and my family, it is much appreciated. Also I have a ladies small black hat with a checked trim around the crown left at the Community Centre, it would be good to get it back to its rightful owner. Many Thanks Betty Chittock
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Sports Roundup
Stradbroke Cricket Club
Whatever the future holds for the Cricket Club, its Committee continues to support it. Re-elected at the recent AGM were: President - Don Lummis, Chairman & Groundsman - Michael Hugman, Vice Chairman - Ian Flintoff, Secretary - Malcolm Tenneson, Treasurer - Caroline Johnson, Club Captain - Matt Wise, Youth Development & Safeguarding - Fergus Morgan, Minutes Secretary - James Gilbee, plus Ian Cattermole, Andy Webb, Richard Pierce-Saunderson, and Steve Perrin. One new position, Media Manager, is filled by Tom Hargrave. All we need are a few new players to take their efforts onto the field. We are also very grateful to the Parish Council for funding the replacement of our practice nets, out of the CIL money as part of the Neighbourhood Plan. We are still hopeful of finding a suitable overseas Player/Coach, so that we can continue to build on our coaching programme in local schools, something the Suffolk County Board are keen to assist with where possible. It is not all bad news. Thank you for your support. Michael Hugman
Table Tennis Club
We meet most Wednesdays in Stradbroke Community Centre, 18:30-20:30. As a great sport for all ages, we are always pleased to welcome new players including complete beginners. Our current members range from aged 7-70! The charges are £1 for children (under 16) and £2 for adults. We have a card / contactless machine as our preferred method of payment. For more information, please get in touch with Mark or Julia. We look forward to meeting you! Mark: 07702 314503, mark.nowell@gmail.com Julia: 07796 624768, julia.nowell1@gmail.com Julia Nowell
Stradbroke & District Bowls Club
Hello everyone, with the new season of bowls due to commence in April the club has received some great news from the Parish Council . The Club is extremely grateful to receive funding from the Parish Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy for essential repairs and maintenance of the Bowls Club pavilion. Our regular fund raising social events have been severely affected for 2 years due to the Covid problem, so this response to our request is heart-warming and gives us encouragement to be able to continue offering this Sport Club to all ages across the village and surrounding area. In the April issue we will give details relating to the opening of the Bowls Green when we all hope that the problem of Covid is behind us and that we can get back to normal. In the mean time may we ask you to make a note of the following club members so that if you have any questions regarding membership they will be only to pleased to help. As always we thank you for reading this report and sincerely look forward to any query you may have. Roy Lee 01379 384729 Jennifer Chetwyn 01379 384069 David Cattermole 01379 384779 Regards, Roy Lee
News & Views Park Radio
Have you got a charity or not for profit event being held this year? If so please forward a flyer/poster to our actionline@parkradio.co.uk and we will promote your event on-air free of charge. Also if you feel that you would like to get more involved with the radio station as a volunteer please contact us on studio@parkradio.co.uk Please free to contact us with questions, requests or any general enquiries we may be able to help you with. Linda Bryant, Communities Director
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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
Citizens Advice Mid Suffolk
I’ve just been offered a new job and now I need to tell my current employer. The new company wants me to start as soon as possible. The problem is, we’re already a bit short-staffed where I am now and I don’t know how soon I’ll be allowed to leave. How should I bring all this up with my boss? Congratulations on your new role. It can feel awkward telling your current employer you’re moving on. The time between telling your employer you’ve found a new position and you actually leaving is known as your notice period. If you’ve been in your current job for less than a month, you won’t have to give any notice period (unless your contract says otherwise). If it’s more than a month, you’ll have to give at least one week’s notice. Your contract should make it clear exactly how long is expected. If you don’t have a contract, and your employer has no written record of you agreeing to a notice period, you should give at least one week’s notice. It’s worth waiting until your new employer has confirmed your employment, for example by giving you a start date before handing in your resignation. It’s then best to resign in writing (email is fine), so that you have a record of the date you told your employer. On the Citizens Advice website we have a section on resigning with tips on how to write this letter. This can be found at citizensadvice.org.uk/work/leaving-a-job . You can work a longer notice than the one in your contract, if you agree it with your employer. If you’re keen to move on sooner rather than later, it may also be possible to negotiate a shorter notice period than your contract says. If you want to go down this route, it can be useful to reassure your current employer that you will tackle any urgent work before finishing. Fixed-term contracts are a bit different, as you won’t need to give notice if you intend to leave on the last day of contract. Leaving early would usually mean giving at least one week’s notice, unless your contract says otherwise. Don’t forget about your holiday days during your notice period. If you have unused paid holiday you should speak to your employer about either taking these during the notice period or being paid for them. Finally, sometimes people can change their mind about moving jobs or find their circumstances alter. If this happens to you, you should speak to your current employer to see what the options are and if you can stay in your current role. Citizens Advice Mid Suffolk can provide advice on this or any other issue, including debt, employment, benefits and family law. You can contact them on 01449 676060 or use the contact form at midsuffolkcab.org.uk/contact-us. For more information and our opening hours go to midsuffolkcab.org.uk
Shining the spotlight on local support and services
People from Halesworth and the surrounding areas are being invited to find out more about the huge range of services, support and activities which are available locally to boost their health and wellbeing during a free drop-in event organised by the Pear Tree Fund. Halesworth Health and Wellbeing Infomarket will bring together a host of services and community organisations to showcase the opportunities they offer. This includes chances to join in with social activities, get out into nature to boost health and wellbeing or give back to the community by volunteering. As well as information for the general public, the one-stop-shop will also shine a spotlight on the specific support which is available to people with health and care needs, as well as their families and carers. Organised in partnership with East Suffolk Council, it will take place at the Pear Tree Centre in Bungay Road, Halesworth, on Thursday 3 March from 11am to 2pm. Everyone is welcome and free refreshments will be available. Kevin Vaughan, chief executive of the Pear Tree Fund, said: “We are delighted to be working with East Suffolk Council to arrange this exciting event. It will give everyone a valuable opportunity to find out more about the support which is available within our compassionate and caring community to boost their health and wellbeing.” “We hope that it will be particularly helpful for those with health and support needs and their families and carers, while also encouraging those who have been isolated because of COVID-19 to start safely stepping back into the community. We’ll also be highlighting the support which is available to those with long-term health conditions and people who have recently received a diagnosis, as well as older people who are feeling lonely or isolated.” Organisations which have already confirmed their attendance include Halesworth Volunteer Centre and Community Larder, Halesworth Dementia Carers Fund, Kinda Education and Suffolk Police. East Coast Community Healthcare, Connected Communities, Suffolk Family Carers, INK Festival and Halesworth and District U3A will also hold a stall. To find out more about the support offered by the Pear Tree Fund or to donate to the charity, call 01986 899655, email info@peartreefund.org or visit www.peartreefund.org Liz Hearnshaw at Zenith Public Relations
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Etheridge Nurseries Laxfield Road, Tel: 384204 Mob 07881 440140
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
Unit 19a Fuller Road Industrial Estate Harleston, Norfolk, IP20 9EA
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
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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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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
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Dan Poulter MP
At the end of January, the Government announced plans to radically reform the BBC and review the TV license fee, so it is appropriate to consider what impact these changes may have upon something that many of us value: our own BBC Radio Suffolk. Many people would support the Government in freezing the annual licence fee over the next two years. Energy bills are rising, and households face other costs as we experience the ongoing economic fallout of the pandemic in the form of rising inflation. Asking the BBC to do some belt tightening and to look for efficiencies at this time is reasonable and should have little or no impact on the quality of its programming. I also have little doubt from my own experience that parts of the BBC at a national level are over-staffed and inefficient. Each different national news programme - even when they are on the same television channel or radio station - has a completely different production team. This is both unnecessary and expensive. At national level, BBC channel bosses would do well to learn lessons from our own BBC Radio Suffolk who run the station just as well but on a lower budget and with much fewer staff. Whilst it is easy to make the case for the BBC at a national level to be run more efficiently and at lower cost, the argument for reform or even scrapping of the licence fee is far more complex. When the licence fee was introduced, the BBC had a virtual monopoly in UK broadcasting, but times have changed, and there are now hundreds of different television channels and radio stations. Many people, particularly young people, no longer watch television and instead receive much of their news from social media and entertainment via streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube, or Amazon Prime. This trend is only set to continue, so, it is understandable that people who do not use the BBC would consider the idea of paying a licence fee to be outdated. The BBC is not perfect. It needs to cut its production costs. It needs reform, and to more accurately represent the interests of those living outside of the metropolitan bubble. But, there does remain an important role for a public service broadcaster in our country to present impartial and balanced news with integrity and accuracy. This is ever more important in this age of social media which can often be filled with inaccuracies and misinformation, with perhaps one of the worst examples being the behaviour of the anti-vaccination movement in spreading lies and pseudo-science online. Surely, if there were a time where impartial and balanced news reporting was needed from a public service broadcaster, this is it. The best of the BBC can be found in our own BBC Radio Suffolk, which is why I shall continue to support some form of a continuing licence fee, but for the BBC to survive, Broadcasting House needs to learn a lot of lessons from their local stations. 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 Library manager will happily help you to submit your article.
PLEASE MENTION THE STRADBROKE MONTHLY WHEN CONTACTING ADVERTISERS!
Village Diary February 2022
26th Puzzle House Pantomimes presents Robin Hood in Thorndon (see page 14) 27th Puzzle House Pantomimes presents Robin Hood in Wingfield (see page 14) March 2022
1st Radio Stradbroke on air from 10 am at www.radiostradbroke.co.uk, and every day 1st Contact Club meet in Community Centre, and every Tuesday (see page 3) 1st Circle Dancing in Community Centre (see page 14) 1st Craft & Natter at the library from 2-4pm and every Tuesday (see page 10) 1st All Saints Church Fundraisiing Committee in Community Centre (see page 4) 2nd Table tennis in Community Centre, 18:30-20:30 and most Wednesdays (see page 18) 3rd Court House Café open – and every Thursday (see page 10) 3rd Thursday Afternoon Book Group in the Library (see page 10) 3rd Over 60s meet in Community Centre (see page 14) 3rd Stradbroke Strollers meet outside Court House – and every Thursday (see page 17) 5th Court House Café open – and every Saturday (see page 10) 5th Puzzle House Pantomimes presents Robin Hood in Hoxne (see page 14) 7th Borderhoppa outing for Lunch at The White Horse, Stoke Ash (see page 12) 9th Stradbroke Baptist Church Friendship Lunch – all welcome (see page 3) 9th All Saints Church Fundraising Committee Cake Stall (see page 4) 11th Stradbroke and District Bowls Club Cash Bingo (see page 17) 12th Suffolk Libraries Day celebration at the library (see page 2) 14th Borderhoppa outing to Norwich City Centre (see page 12) 14th Stradbroke & District Bowls Club Blind Auction and Pudding Party (see page 17) 14th RoughCast Theatre presents Macbeth (various locations and dates) (see page 17) 14th Parish Council meeting (see page 6) 15th Circle Dancing in Community Centre (see page 14) 17th Over 60s meet in Community Centre (see page 14) 18th ***Submission deadline for the April edition strictly by this date*** st 21 Borderhoppa outing to Halesworth & Lunch at The Angel Inn (see page 12) 23rd Stradbroke Baptist Church Friendship Lunch – all welcome (see page 3) 26th All Saints Church Fundraising Committee (see page 4) 26th Marc James sings at Syleham and Wingfield village hall (see page 14) 28th Borderhoppa outing to Beccles (see page 12) 29th Circle Dancing in Community Centre (see page 14)
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