Wickham Skeith Newsletter June2023 Feb2022
All in the Village Hall unless otherwise stated.
June 2023
Thursday 1st Mobile Library van: 2 stops between 9.45 and10.20am
Saturday 10th Crafternoon 2-4pm
Tuesday 13th Hilltop Women’s Group Garden Party: Slivdin & Village Hall 6.30pm
Wednesday 14th Lunch Club 12 for 12.30. Advance Bookings Please
Sat 17th Book Sale/Coffee morning at Highbanks, 1, Broadway 10-11.45am.
Monday 19th Village Hall Committee – Fete Focus All Welcome 8pm
Saturday 24th Village Fete 2pm
Thursday 29th Mobile Library van: 2 stops between 9.45 and10.20am
Summer Dates
Sun. 2nd July Wickham Skeith Open Gardens 2-6pm
Sat 22nd July
Booksale, jigsaws and coffee morning at Highbanks 10 to 11.45am
Sat 26 Aug Visit – Norwich Castle “The Last Voyage of the Gloucester”
Welcome to Sandy and Andrew who have moved into Bramble House in Grange Road. We hope you will enjoy living here.
~ D A T E S F O R Y O U R D I A R Y ~
Village Hall Update
The Village Hall was proud to host the two-day event for the Coronation and the Committee were pleased to see so many people enjoying the facilities, watching the main event on the big screen and enjoying the shared lunch on Sunday. For some people this was their first ever visit to the Village Hall-but not their last we hope. It was also great to see so many regulars in attendance as well. (The Hall is bookable if you have an event you wish to put on-see inside back page of this Newsletter for details).
Coming up
It will soon be the Fete-details elsewhere in the Newsletter. Help is always needed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday-many hands make light work!
The next Committee meeting is focussed on the Fete and takes place on Monday 19th June and is to be chaired by Katie.
Music on the Green: 9th September. Last year was our first attempt at this and it was enjoyed by many people. Come along with your family to enjoy live music.
Bat Walk: Friday 29th September. There will be a talk on bats and then a guided walk for those that wish. The Bar will be open, and donations can be made towards Suffolk Wildlife Trust.
Possible Halloween event: There was a suggestion that we have a Bar Night and show a “not too scary film” and maybe come in Halloween dress. Details being ironed out. Please help us with your suggestions!!
Quiz Night: 25th of November. Our annual village quiz-more details to follow
The last meeting spent some time discussing the cost of electricity and changing our supplier-we currently pay £200 per month. Hopefully a better deal can be reached. The VH is also changing Bank to save some of the costs which have been added to the banking service we currently use. This may affect those in the village who are part of the Lottery Lucky Number.
A major point of discussion was also the cost of repairing the roof-one quote has been obtained and more being sought. It is hoped that the Village Hall can work together with the Parish Council to seek out, and get, financial grants and support. It is felt that the roof should be repaired before solar panels are erected-if that is what the Parish Council decides to do with the CIL money currently held.
See you all at the Fete!!
~ V I L L A G E H A L L C O M M I T T E E N E W S ~
Lunch Club
Lunch Club enjoyed a fabulous lunch in May to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III. Graham Hayne created individual portions of Salmon En Croute for us, served with new potatoes and peas and green beans and a wonderful fish sauce to go with it. Margaret Jones Evans prepared our dessert of Rhubarb bread and butter pudding. Thanks to all those who made this a special event. It was good to see some invited guests join our group of diners.
This month we meet on Wednesday, 14th June
All in the village who are 60 or over are welcome, and we will be sending out some invites too, but you will need to book a place by Friday 9 th June. The cost as usual is the incredibly good value of £4 and we gather at 12 midday in the Village Hall.
Please book by contacting Jenny Elphick by phone 01449 766885 or mobile 07745416091 or email at jenny.elphick@sim.org
‘Crafternoon’ Saturdays
Whatever your art or craft bring along your current project. Share skills, ideas, tips and techniques. Inspire and be inspired in the company of other creative people. If you have an ‘arty’ or ‘crafty’ friend then bring them too. Surplus art/craft items & books to sell? Bring them for the bring and buy table.
Next Crafternoon on 10th June
Entry: £2.00 per person (inc. tea/coffee/biscuits).
59 Club
Recent winning numbers: Apr – 59; May – 7, 28, 20.
The Suffolk Mobile Library van stops in the lay-by outside the chalet bungalows, from 9.45 to 10am. Then outside Haymead House in The Street from 10.05 to 10.20. Next visits –1 June & 29 June 2023
~ N E W S F R O M T H E C L U B S ~
History Group
On Sat 26th August we are organising a visit to Norwich. In the morning we will go to Norwich Castle to see the special exhibition on “The Last Voyage of the Gloucester”, the warship lost off Great Yarmouth in 1682. In the afternoon we are hoping to arrange an optional guided tour of Norwich Cathedral. Details are still being finalised & the programme will be in the July newsletter. There is no need to book yet, but keep that date free if you think you may be interested.
Pete Davidson
Hilltop Women’s Group
Our mystery outing took us over to Palgrave, to The Grange Musical Collection, where we were welcomed by Jonny Ling who owns an amazing collection of mechanical musical machines. Some used to be housed at Cotton, but the collection is now in the hands of a new owner, who is adding to it when items come to his attention.
The exhibits weren’t all large fairground or theatre types of organ. Jonny showed us smaller home varieties, some of which were very old. His knowledge and passion for his huge collection was evident and he was able to share it with us in a relaxed and enthusiastic way. There are open days in the summer. Check it out on line. A super afternoon out.
Thank you, Jos, for the refreshments which were a welcome extra to accompany the tea from the cafe on site, and for organising this event. And thank you to the drivers of course!
Our June meeting on Tuesday 13th, will start in the garden of Cliff and Carol Galsworthy at 6.30 (Slivdin, Kitchen Close) where we will share a welcome drink whilst wandering appreciatively round their surprisingly large and beautiful garden . Then to the Village Hall, which will be open from 6pm to allow you to leave your contribution to the sharing (fork) supper before popping up to the garden. Competition will be a garden party table decoration, and the cup will be presented to the winner for the year. There will be a raffle, of course, and it will be an opportunity to have a friendly social event. If you are new to the village, or not sure where to go, just come to the hall at six and we will take you along.
Any enquiries to Margaret Knights 01449 767708. rosecottageflowers@hotmail.co.uk
Or Sue Merriam 01449766222. Fingers crossed for a dry evening.
~ N E W S F R O M T H E C L U B S ~
Thanks-to the people who helped to make the Coronation Weekend such a great success especially Jos, Margaret, Jenny and Julie who organised; Simon, Nigel, Paul & Dave for the work on placement of the bench; Kirsty for the community photo; Jonathan for putting together the slide show; Pete for loan of projector, Andrew Stringer and his locality budget for funds for the bench; Rowland Warboys and his locality budget for funds for the children's mugs; Village Hall Committee for the use of the Hall; those who donated time, money or food over the weekend; Melinda for organising the mug purchase and distribution; Jenny for organising the purchase of the bench; Paul for cutting the Green and I'm sorry if I have forgotten anybody!!
Kevin
[Editor’s Note – You have forgotten yourself Kevin – many thanks for all that you organised over the weekend.]
Details of the suppliers of the Bench are attached to the back of it! Maybe we could get a matching one for the Platinum Jubilee or to mark QE11 and her long reign?!
Sad News
Most of you have already heard that Margaret Horne has died. She had been unwell for some time.
Margaret and Don moved to Wickham many years ago and played a big part in village activities. Margaret especially in her involvement with the several craft fayres we had in the Hall and hosting tea parties in her lovely garden.
We shall miss her and send our sympathies to her family and friends.
Grand National Sweepstake
Thanks to all who took part in the sweepstake in aid of FOSA (Church fabric Fund). The eventual profit was £230.
Winners of £30 were:
Laura Hempstead, Mark Eggleton, Harry Brown, Jenny Harvey and Kevin Knights.
Second place £5:
Judy Kemp, Robert Cohen, Stephen Creasy, Poppy Carle and The Cuttings. Many thanks to Simon Pyke for helping on the day.
Nigel and Sue Merriam
~ O T H E R N E W S & E V E N T S ~
DRAFT MINUTES of the PARISH COUNCIL MEETING held WEDNESDAY,15 MAY 2023 at the Village Hall, Wickham Skeith.
Present: Cllrs T Thorogood (Chair), T Rowe, J Keable, and M Appleby. Clerk: L Rogers County Cllr A Stringer District Cllr R Warboys Also present: 5 members of the public.
1. 15/5/23 Cllr Thorogood was elected as Chairman for this meeting.
2. 15/5/23 The Cllrs each signed their Deed of Acceptance
3. 15,5/23: Apologies received from Cllr R Palmer
4. 15/5/23: a). To receive members’ Declarations of Interest on Agenda items- None received b). To consider requests for dispensations. None received.
5. 15/5/23: The minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 13th March 2023 were approved and signed
6. 15/5//23: SCC: Cllr Stringer - report given
7. 15/5/23 MSDC: Cllr Warboys - report given
8. 15/5/23: Village Forum. A new footpath sign has been installed by the kissing gate footpath near the village hall. Since it’s installation, a large puddle has formed. The sign is on the opposite side to the previous sign and there is concern that it may have pierced the water pipe that runs on that side of the footpath. Clerk to report.
9. 15/5/23: Appointment of Councillors to Roles Defibrillator – Cllr Keable
10.15/5/23: Planning Matters:
a) The councillors considered the application for planning permission - DC/23/01725 Proposal: Householder Application - Erection of single storey side and rear extension. Location: Rose Cottage, The Broadway and agreed they have no objections
b) Application for Planning Permission - DC/22/06310 Proposal: Full Planning ApplicationConversion of barn into 1no. dwellinghouse with single bedroom annexe. Conversion and extension of an existing brick garage into a workshop and double bay cart lodge. Location: Street Farm, The Street, Wickham Skeith. The application has been withdrawn.
c) Application for Planning Permission without Compliance of Condition(S) - DC/23/00903 Proposal: Application under S73 for Removal or Variation of a Condition following grant of Planning Permission DC/22/00448 dated 11/04/2022. Erection of 2No dwellings Town and Country Planning Act 1990 - To vary Condition 2 (Approved Plans and Documents) amended scheme of plans. Location: Land To North of Bumbledown (& Forming Part of Previously Approved Development Site), Grange Road, Wickham Skeith has been approved
11. 15//5//23: Finance
11.1. No finance report was available. Clerk to send later
11.2. The Councillors approved the bank reconciliation for the year 2022-23
11.3. The Councillors reviewed and approved the Internal Audit for 2022-23 and noted the recommendations
11.4 The Councillors reviewed and approved the Annual Governance statement section 1 for 202223 and the Chairman signed it
11.5 The Councillors reviewed and approved the Annual Governance statement section 2 for 202223 and the Chairman signed it
~ W I C K H A M S K E I T H P A R I S H C O U N C I L ~
11.5 The Councillors agreed to register with the Information Commissioner’s Office at a cost of £40 per year to comply with Data Protection legislation
11.6 The Councillors approved the purchase of a commemorative bench for the King’s Coronation at a cost of (£750) and commemorative mugs at a cost of (£500)
11.6 Clerk to update the Asset Register for the next meeting
11.7 The Councillors reviewed the Plusnet contract and noted the business fibre broadband accounts are to end in 12 months. Clerk to explore the options
12. 15/5/23: Standing Orders
The Councillors reviewed and approved the Standing Orders.
13. 15/5/23: Financial Regulations
The Councillors reviewed and approved the Financial Regulations.
14.15/523: CIL Community Infrastructure Levy Survey
The councillors have been advised by the Village Hall Committee that, although the solar panels are the most popular improvement to the village, the village hall requires re-roofing before solar panels can be added. It was agreed to explore available grants towards the estimated cost of £33,000 (+ VAT). The application for 100% funding for solar panels has been made and it should be possible to pursue this at a later stage – Clerk to check. The Village Hall Committee will try to obtain two more quotes for the work. Cllr Appleby has obtained an estimated price of £2,000 for a new SID speed camera with solar panels. It may be possible to request funding towards this from the District and County Cllrs. An estimated cost of £45,000 was given for kitchen improvements. It was agreed to form a working party with people form the Village Hall Committee, parish councillors and any other relevant people to discuss this further– date to be agreed.
15. 15/5/23: Village Green and the Grimmer.
A plan with five zoned rotation areas has been made and work will be carried out on one zoned area each year to allow five years growth before cutting back. There are many self-seeded trees which need to be controlled. The priority is the large willow tree which also needs the ivy removed from it. Clerk to arrange an arboriculturist to inspect the trees on the green. Cllr Appleby shared the plan and asked for any comments to be made to her.
16.15,5/23: Litter Pick.
It was agreed that the verges have grown too high to be able to do a litter pick now so it will be considered for late autumn when the growth has died back.
17.15/5/23: Matters for next agenda.
Coronation Mugs – there are a few unclaimed mugs which will be sold at the fete if not claimed before. Commemorative bench – it is set high and might need a foot-rest to support people when they are sitting on it
18.15/5/23: Next Meeting: Monday, 11th September 2023 7.30pm
Coronation Mugs
A number of mugs, which had been reserved for under-16 age children resident in the village, were not collected.
If you would still like a Coronation Mug, please email Melinda on melinda.appleby@mypostoffice.co.uk before 17th June. Any remaining will be sold at the Fete.
~ W I C K H A M S K E I T H P A R I S H C O U N C I L ~
Church of England, Wickham Skeith Facebook: @bactonbenefice
Rector: The Revd Carl Melville, The Rectory, Bacton, IP14 4LJ 01449 781650, email: carlmelville@hotmail.com
Wardens: Liz Davidson 766622 and Margaret Jones-Evans 767121
Services in June 2023
All services at 9.30am in church unless otherwise stated
4th June Holy Communion
8th June, Thur 7.30pm Communion for Corpus Christi at Old Newton
11th June Café Church
18th June Holy Communion
25th June Morning Prayer
2nd July Holy Communion
For other benefice services, please view our Facebook page.
Café Church is a relaxed and friendly service on the 2nd Sunday of the month. We sing one or two hymns and have a short discussion – the rest is chat! Why not come along and join us?
Saint Andrew’s Church is the oldest building in the village. Did you know it costs over £1200 per month to keep it open and useable and to pay the bills? That figure does not include any repair projects that might be needed. If you’d like to help with the upkeep of this historic building, please support our fund-raising activities, use the QR code on the village hall notice board or visit the church when it is open during the day to make a donation using the contactless giving device. Thank you.
Holiday Club 2023 – more information about our popular Holiday Club will be released next month!
Gipping Mini Fete will be held on Tuesday 6th June at Gate House Farm, Gipping from 7pm. All are welcome to enjoy refreshments, games, fun, raffles and tombolas!
Weekly Email and News – if you’d like to sign up to receive our weekly news email, please contact the Rector.
Flower & Cleaning Rota
June 4th Miss R Elsden & Mrs J Keable
June 11th & 18th Miss M Jones-Evans & Mrs A Palmer
June 25th & July 2nd Mrs E Davidson & Mrs J Willoughby
~ S T. A N D R E W ’ S C H U R C H ~
Fundraising for St Andrew’s Church
The concert on 21st May raised £979! Thank you so much to Rachel and Robert Cohen and to everyone who came to hear their music.
Sat 3rd June – sadly Peter Tryon’s talk has been cancelled.
Sat 17th June – Booksale, jigsaws and coffee morning at Highbanks 10 to 11.45am.
Sun 2nd July – Open Gardens in the village from 2 to 6pm. Maps, raffle and refreshments in the village hall.
Sat 22nd July – Booksale, jigsaws and coffee morning at Highbanks 10 to 11.45am.
For more information, please contact Liz Davidson 766622 or Margaret Jones-Evans 767121
Rector’s ramblings
I was fortunate to have watched and celebrated the Coronation Service with a crowd of other people. It was a deeply profound and solemn service yet was filled with colour and happiness. Somehow, despite the ancient traditions and old language used, it was filled with meaning for modern day Britain. Sometimes our age long traditions can become meaningless, even though they’re important to our identify and being. They might be overused or misunderstood. If we rely on traditions to give us value or purpose, we might quickly find we fail.
Jesus challenged the religious leaders of his day. He said that, even though they followed all the traditions, law and rules according to their faith, they had become numb to their meaning and purpose. In other words, they wanted to look good on the outside by following the rules in order to be “holier than thou”, yet they failed to follow them with love, as was intended in the first place. Jesus injected a new lease of life into their laws and traditions – the rule of love. To do everything with love would be the mark of what it means to follow Jesus. He said you must love God with all your heart, mind and soul and you must love your neighbour as yourself. What traditions, routines and rules do you follow in your life. It might just be the law of the land, it might be family traditions, it might be a daily routine. How might you inject love into them so that, if they’re old and tired, they might be made relevant and attractive to others? Churches are full of traditions that sometimes make no sense and we try our best to make them relevant and meaningful. However, our primary task is simply to love God and love each other. When we live by love, we find that God is able to live in us.
Revd Carl
~ S T. A N D R E W ’ S C H U R C H ~
Cake stall at the Fete.
Romaine and I would be grateful for any cakes/savouries for the cake stall. In previous years we have been supported by so many people that has enabled us to make 'loads of money' for the village funds. We can collect on the day if necessary. Thank you in advance.
Jeanne Mason
Oil Syndicate reminder – summer order
The next deadline for orders is 30 June. If you need oil, please email jerrybassett@icloud.com or, if you don’t have email, call 765908.
Grimmer Fishing
The Parish Council is considering the future management of the Grimmer. If anyone in the village is interested in continuing to fish in the Grimmer, would they please let Council know by end of July by emailing the clerk: wickhamskeithpc@hotmail.com
***** GISLINGHAM PLAYGROUP *****
We provide a safe, warm, friendly and caring setting for children aged 2-5 years, in a brand new purpose-built building on the same site as Gislingham CEVCP School, with whom we work closely to provide an excellent education. The Playgroup is following government guidelines so please check with us for opening arrangements.
Please visit our website www.gislinghamplaygroup.com or phone us on 01379 788934
~ N O T I C E S ~
GRAHAM MOORE ELECTRICAL LTD
Blacksmiths Cottage, Silver Street, Old Newton IP14 4HF
For all your electrical needs
For a friendly and efficient service
Call Graham on Tel: 01449 616946 Mobile: 07867 560357
~ A D V E R T I S E M E N T S ~
*FREE ESTIMATES * ALL WORK GUARANTEED *
TREE SERVICES AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
BASED IN WORTHAM, WE ARE DEDICATED TO THE PROVISION OF EXCELLENCE IN EVERY ASPECT OF OUR CRAFT. ALL OF OUR STAFF ARE FULLY TRAINED AND INSURED, RELIABLE AND PROFESSIONAL. ALL WORK IS CARRIED OUT RESPECTFULLY AND TO THE HIGHEST STANDARD
CROWN LIFTING, TREE FELLING, DISMANTLING, REDUCTIONS, PRUNING, THINNING, STUMP GRINDING, HEDGE TRIMMING, FIREWOOD
FOR A FREE ESTIMATE PLEASE CALL LEE GARWOOD Tel: 01379 890617 / 07880 528142 GARWOODSOFSUFFOLK@YAHOO.COM
~ A D V E R T I S E M E N T S ~
This newsletter is produced by Wickham Skeith Village Hall Committee
All bookings of the Village Hall and its equipment should go to:
Gill Colchester Telephone 01379 788040 or Mobile 07850 641233 Email. gillyano@live.co.uk
From January 2023 the hire rate is £10 per hour. The rate is per hour or part thereof. Minimum booking period 2 hrs. A 30 minute "warming up" period will be allowed in cold weather conditions.
25% reduction for Wickham Skeith residents and Wickham Skeith village groups. The day rate is £100 per day and the fee to official bodies is £250.00
Village Website
For information about Wickham Skeith, the Parish Council, and updates on events, visit the village website at https://wickhamskeith.suffolk.cloud/
And finally...
Please send all your village news and adverts for next month’s newsletter to:
melinda.appleby@mypostoffice.co.uk or call 01449 766879
By 25th June 2023
Newsletter printed by CopyDiss, 42a Mere Street, Diss IP22 4AG Tel: 01379 644567 www.copydiss.co.uk
Photo of Coronation 2023 Gathering © Kirsty Duce. With thanks from Coronation Committee
