Alde Valley School and the Heritage Coast MarketTowns Initiative brought pupils and employers faceto face in their whole school careers day – The NextStep. The day, held on 27 November aimed to bridgethe gap between education and employment.

It included workshops on Raising the ParticipationAge, Further and Higher Education andApprenticeships. Sixth form students also attendeda forum on employability skills where they wereable to ask questions on employability andinterview techniques. Lower school students hadthe opportunity to visit the Alde Valley Sixth FormCentre on Waterloo, for many of them the next stepin their career progression.

Most of the day took place in the school where amarket place of providers, advisors and businesseswere encouraged to showcase the wide variety oftrades, training and industries recruiting in theregion.

Jill Douglass, Employer Engagement Coordinator atAVS said: ‘ The event was a great opportunity forcompanies, both big and small, to converse withstudents, promote their business as a localemployer and meet prospective employees.’

www.townherald.co.uk Free! Issue 18: January 2014

The Next Step – Into Employment

TownHerald

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Established for over 40 years

Saxmundham Farmers' Market

Saxmundham Farmer’s Market takes placeevery Friday from 9am to 1pm in, fittingly,the town’s Market Hall. After a Christmasbreak it will be open again on Friday 24thJanuary.

Since the Farmer’s Market opened in July2013, it has proven increasingly popularwith local shoppers as they become aware ofwhat’s on offer – food and drink direct fromthe people that produce it.

Penny Finch of Newbourne Farm Shop, themarket’s main fruit and veg retailer, helps toorganise the market.

“Brian Parkin of Oaktree farm, Shelton,originally started the market and put all theeffort into to getting it off the ground.

After he retired in October 2013, I’ve beenhelping to organise the market although allthe traders do their bit so it really is amarket run by all concerned.”

The number and diversity of stalls appearsto build each week, as the indoor marketbecomes better known and more popular. Aswell as the fruit and veg, there’s meat andSuffolk cheese, handmade cakes andpastries, jams, chutneys, sauces, honey anddairy produce.

There is even an on-site café offering hot andcold drinks, cakes, sausage rolls and snacks

– the perfect chance to put your bagsdown, have a ponder and some well-deserved refreshment.

Because Saxmundham Market Hall issuch a spacious venue, Penny Finchexplains that there’s always room to fitin another stall,

“If you’re a local food or drink producer,get in touch atinfo@saxmundhamfarmersmarket.co.ukor pop in and talk to one of thestallholders.”

If you’re interested in finding out moreabout the market before you visit,stallholders have made a website

www.saxmundhamfarmersmarket.co.ukwhich gives details of special offers, seasonalproduce and the list of stalls that will bepresent on a particular week.

Talking Shop

THE WHITE HORSE,THE WHITE HORSE,RENDHAM

FREEHOUSEREAL ALE & REAL FOOD

A traditional village pub servingReal Ales from a still behind the bar

We are in GOOD BEER GUIDESFood available every eveningFrom 6:30pm (7pm on Sundays)

Plus Saturday & Sunday lunchtimes from noon until 2pm

www.whitehorserendham.co.uk on the B1119 between Framlingham and Saxmundham

Telephone: 01728 663497

3

There's a wide range of fresh local produce on offer every Friday at the Farmers' Market

4

Hospice Shop Donations Appeal

St Elizabeth Hospice is appealing to the localcommunity to donate 25 items to their localHospice shop to keep it stocked during thecharity’s 25th anniversary year.

The Hospice, which provides local Hospicecare for local people, has 26 shops acrossEast Suffolk and South Norfolk, and relieson the support of local people to keep theirshops stocked.

Sue Goodchild, St Elizabeth Hospice’s Head

of Retail, said: “If you received anyunwanted Christmas presents, or if you’veupdated your wardrobe or furniture thisNew Year, please consider donating youritems to the Hospice.

“This year the Hospice is marking its 25thanniversary, so if you want to get involved inour special anniversary year, why not donate25 items, and help keep our shops stockedfor the whole of 2014!”

To donate stock such as bric-a-brac, books orclothes, drop them off at your nearestHospice shop which you can find by visitingwww.stelizabethhospice.org.uk

If you would like to donate furniture, pleasedo not drop it off at your nearest shop. Call0845 259 0319 and someone will collect itfrom you.

Community News

Olive Dental Practice At Olive Dental Practice we are delighted to

announce that we are now taking on new NHS patients

For more information or to book an appointmentplease give us a call or visit the practice

9 High Street Saxmundham IP17 1DF 01728 602537saxdental@googlemail.com

www.olive-dentalpractice.co.uk

Obituary: Philip Singleton

Phil, formerly of Deben Road inSaxmundham, sadly died in early Decemberafter several years of ill health. He had beenliving in Felixstowe.

Many people in Saxmundham will rememberPhil from his days at the Peakhill OrganicsFarm Shop in the High Street, where heworked until the shop closed in 2009. Heloved working there and made many friendsin town.

After a stay at Ipswich hospital in September2012, Phil went to live in Felixstowe where heenjoyed trips out to see the sea with familyand friends.

Phil is survived by an older brother Stephen,and twin daughters Grace and Ellen, of whomhe was immensely proud.

Penny Robertson

Philip Singleton 25/8/62 – 2/12/13

5

Happy New Year to allreaders of the TownHerald. I hope youenjoyed the festiveseason. We all had anearly Christmaspresent with thedecision not to put anytolls on the A14. The

Government listened to the arguments putforward by MPs, businesses, councils andresidents. As we set out in the case wemade to the Prime Minister andChancellor, East Anglia is one of theleading growth areas in the UK and it isessential that that wasn’t put at risk. Thestrength of feeling demonstrated by the2,382 signatories of the petition was key inshowing Ministers that local peopleweren’t prepared to accept the toll. The£1.5bn upgrade is scheduled to get underway in 2016. I want to thank Town Heraldreaders who signed the petition. Yoursignature really did help.

The tidal surge hit with vengeance lastmonth with many places experiencinghigher tides than in 1953. Thankfully thecommunity was well warned and largely,the sea defences held firm. There wassome flooding in Aldeburgh with greaterissues inland – particularly in Snape. Ispoke in an adjournment debate inParliament recently that my Suffolk

colleague, Peter Aldous secured. It was atimely opportunity to question theMinister and press for full funding for theurgent works that need to be carried out torepair the damage.

Regular readers will know about myongoing campaign to improve responsetimes in our Ambulance Service. I amtherefore delighted that Dr AnthonyMarsh has been appointed as the newtemporary Chief Executive, starting inJanuary. Dr Marsh will be here 4 days aweek as he continues to lead the verysuccessful West Midlands AmbulanceService. It was Dr Marsh that conductedthe report into the failings of the East ofEngland Ambulance Trust and maderecommendations for changes. He has aproven track record of strong leadershipand I am pleased he has an opportunity toimplement those recommendations.

The Key Stage 2 results for SuffolkPrimary Schools were published last week,which didn’t make for good reading. Welldone to those schools that achieved resultsabove the national average but there isstill a long way to go to makeimprovements that will offer sustainedprosperity in the future for our youngpeople. It is possible and I want to ensurethat we do what we can to attract the bestteachers to our fair county

Thérèse Coffey, MP

Writing exclusively for the Town Herald

Dr Therese Coffey

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Liz Gleave writes: A very BIG thank you toall our customers and supporters forcontributing their green tokens to ourWaitrose box. We will be receiving £650 inapprox 6 weeks.

We had a lovely craft session with thechildren on Saturday 7th December. 13children thoroughly enjoyed makingChristmas Cards and tree decorations.Thank you to Margaret Huddle and LouiseHailey!

Did you know? Services from your library have expandedlately. There's lots more available including:

Toptime sessions are free sessions for alladults. Every Thursday 11am – 12.30pm. Adifferent activity every week, enjoy a cup oftea or coffee and a chat (50p for tea &biscuits).

Bookstart sessions for 0 – 3 year olds andtheir parents/carers. Tuesday 9.30am – 10am& Friday 10.30am – 11am Term time only.

Renew & reserve your library books online athome or work. Reservations are FREE.

We have a huge selection of DVDs. Most are£1 per week, premier DVDs are £3 per weekand sets of more than 2 discs are £2 perweek.

2 hours FREE Internet use every day. £1 foradditional half hour sessions.

You can borrow ebooks and audio for FREEFreegal is our FREE music downloadservice. You can download up to 3 songs aweek, as well as music videos. The Freegalservice is available via their website and iOSand Android apps (when you set up the appsearch for 'Suffolk Libraries' rather thanyour local library).

Home Library Service volunteers take booksand audio CDs & cassettes to people that are

unable to get out or find it difficult to get to alibrary

Suffolk Reference Direct: Access thesubscription services for free from acomputer in any Suffolk library or recordoffice, or from any other computer using yourlibrary card number. (Ancestry libraryedition can't be accessed from home.)

Music & Drama library: For groups, bands,orchestras, repertory companies, dramaticsocieties, play reading circles or individuals.Check the online catalogue to find out whatis available.

Help Us:Become a library volunteer or join theFriends’ of the library for only £2 per year,per person. Ask inside for details

Saxmundham Library News

www.fromusvets.co.uk Small animals and exotics

Surgery, Ultrasound, Dentistry and XraysIn House Laboratory

Opening times: Mon-Fri 8am-7pmSaturday 8am-4pmTel: 01728 602599

Fromus House, Street Farm Road, Saxmundham IP17 1DUSouthwold Branch Practice 01502 725132

7

Try these healthy recipes for some guiltfree snacks in the new year.

Blueberry drop sconesTime: 30 minutes Makes: 20

Ingredients50g essential Waitrose porridge oats

250ml skimmed milk175g Waitrose organic light brown self-raising flour

1 tsp baking powder2 eggs

150g Waitrose LOVE Life driedblueberries1 Sunflower oil spray

Method

Soak the oats in a little of the milk for 5minutes. Mix together the flour andbaking powder. In a jug, beat together theeggs and remaining milk. Make a well inthe flour, pour in the liquid and beattogether until smooth. Stir in the oatmixture and dried blueberries.Spritz a large non-stick frying pan or flatgriddle with oil. Drop small spoonfuls ofthe batter in the pan and cook for 1-2minutes on each side until risen andgolden brown. Serve warm with freshblueberries and a tiny drizzle of honey.

Tip

Any leftovers, once cooled, can be stored inan airtight container and toasted toreheat.

Pea and sweet potato samosasThese spiced veggie parcels are delicioushot from the oven, eaten cold or reheated

in a microwave. Have two as a snack, orserve four with a salad for lunch.

Time: 40 minutes Makes: 20

Ingredients500g sweet potatoes, diced

200g frozen petits pois, thawed1 Bunch of salad onions, thinly sliced

2 tsp garam masala1 tsp cumin seeds

1 Large pinch crushed chilli flakes1 pack of La Petite Maison Feuilles debrick, 10 pastry sheets

1 Vegetable oil spray

MethodCook the sweet potatoes in a pan of boilingwater for 10 minutes until tender. Drain,mash lightly and mix in the peas, saladonions, garam masala, cumin and chilliflakes. Cover and leave to cool.

Preheat the oven to 180˚C, gas mark 4.Cut each pastry sheet in half to makesemi-circles. Divide the filling betweenthem, then fold the sheets three times togive a flat cone shape. Dampen the sidesand press edges together to seal.Transfer to a baking sheet, spritz with oiland bake for 10-15 minutes.

What's Cooking? Sponsored by

Blueberry drop scones

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Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 January, at varioustimes, Framlingham and Sweffling. Frenchconversation classes with native French-speaking tutor. Cost £76 per 10-week term(£69 for over-65s). For information on placesavailable this term contact Agnès Clough on01728 621276 or 07896 964626 oragnesclough1@gmail.com

Wednesday 8 January, 7.30 pm, LeistonUnited Church Hall. “The Norfolk CranesStory”, a talk by Chris Durdin for SuffolkWildlife Trust. Entry £2.50, all welcome.

Wednesday 8 January, 7.30 pm, AldeburghCinema. A screening of Harold Lloyd's SafetyLast, preceded by the short Charlie Chaplinfilm Easy Street, will open the cinema'sClassic Silent Film & Live Music season.Introduction and live piano accompanimentby ingenious composer Neil Brand. Ticketsfrom the box office or call 01728 484584 orvisit www.aldeburghcinema.co.uk

Friday 10 January, 6 to 7.30 pm,Saxmundham Library. For customers oldand new, volunteers, friends committee andstaff. We would like to say thank you foryour support with wine, mulled wine anddelicious nibbles (non-alcoholic beveragesalso served). PLUS a Surplus ChristmasRaffle Swap – bring something you don'twant and swap it for something you do want.No charge for this event.

Saturday 11 January, 9.30am to 1pm, TheWhite Horse, Sweffling. If your new yearresolution is to start writing that short storyor novel, The Writer's Hut creative writinggroup is the place to start. New membersare welcome to this small and friendly group,talking and scribbling by a log fire. Fee £12per session, £6 for students. For detailscontact timcazalet@gmail.com or 01728663683 or search 'Sweffling Writer's Hut' forthe website.

Sunday 12 January, 10am, Snape Maltings.Saxmundham Library's Walking Book Groupwill meet near the large Horse & Cart

sculpture for a walk from Snape to Iken,talking about Andy Mulligan's Trash. Copiesof the book are available from the library.Friends and family are welcome on the walk.Participants pay £1 towards SaxmundhamLibrary's Friends' Group.

Monday 13 January, 1.30 for 2pm,Wenhaston Village Hall. The Halesworthand District Flower Club will meet to see ademonstration by Area Demonstrator AlanSmith whose title for this session is “PotLuck” . Why not come along and have a cupof tea, make new friends and maybe win oneof the wonderful flower arrangements in theraffle? Visitors £4 - you are guaranteed avery warm welcome.

Thursday 16 January to Sunday 19 January7.30pm (matinee 2.30pm Saturday) TheWonderful Wizard of Oz: The Pantomime.Join Leiston's acclaimed Bright Sparkstheatre group, as they invite you to join themalong the yellow brick road to meet theWonderful Wizard of Oz, in a very specialfamily pantomime, to celebrate thecentenary of Leiston Film Theatre.Performances are sold out, butstandby/returns may be available on the day.Call 01728 830549 or seewww.leistonfilmtheatre.co.uk

Thursday 23 January, 7.30 pm, WickhamMarket Village Hall. Wickham MarketFlower Club will meet to see ademonstration by Vickie Hease. Her subjectwill be “Treasured Moments” and thepractice piece will be “Entwined” – threeflowers, twigs and foliage. Also remember tobring a stunning “Stem” from your garden.Our wonderful club is lots of fun. Why notcome along and see for yourself? Make newfriends and learn a trick or two.

Saturday 18 January and Sunday 19January 11am - 3pm RSPB Minsmere. BigGarden Birdwatch Have you ever wanted tojoin the 500 000 people who take part in theRSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch but were notsure how to get started? Then fear no more

Coming EventsSponsored by The Computer Cabin at HG Crisp

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as we will be creating bird feeders, helpingyou with your bird identification skills andshowing you how to carry out the survey –ready for you to take part in the 2014 survey(25/26 of January). £2 per child, plus usualreserve entry fees. No booking required

Saturday 25th January 2014, 10am - 1pmLeiston Film Theatre Coffee Morning andOpen Day Have you ever wondered whatgoes on behind the scenes at Leiston FilmTheatre? Well, here's your opportunity tohave a peek behind the curtains and evenvisit the projection room, on one of six guidedtours around Suffolk's oldest cinema. Enjoy acuppa and perhaps a slice of cake, whilstraising funds for the Leiston Film TheatreSupport Club. FREE ADMISSION. GuidedTours: £2.50 per person. Please note: guidedtours are not suitable for ages 5 and under.

Saturday 25 January, 11:00 am to 4 pm, theLong Shop Museum, Leiston. At a SpecialFamily History Open Day the Alde ValleyFamily History group will be placing avariety of exhibits on show, including localgraveyard surveys and a special displayabout the Leiston Great War CentenaryMemorial Book Project. For informationabout the group, its regular meetings at theLeiston Community Centre, and how to join,contact Nigel Turner on 01502 718019 orhttp://tinyurl.com/aldevalley

Sunday 26 January, Leiston starting pointfor a Suffolk Wildlife Trust trip to RSPBTitchwell. Coach from Leiston with pickupsen route. £15. For more information contactCarl Powell on carlann.powell@tiscali.co.ukor 01728 831841.

Sunday 26 January 10am-4pm, GlemhamHall, Little Glemham Wedding Open DayStep inside this very beautiful family homeand see exactly what the Grand Hall lookslike when dressed for a wedding! OurDrawing Room will be set for a vintage styleAfternoon Tea wedding and our Marquee willbe looking splendid with help from ourfavourite wedding suppliers.

Thursday 30 January 7pm AldeburghCinema National Theatre Live: Coriolanus.The Donmar Warehouse’s production ofCoriolanus, Shakespeare’s searing tragedy ofpolitical manipulation the title role andMark Gatiss as Menenius, directed by theDonmar's Artistic Director Josie Rourke.Tickets £15 (£13 cinema club members)

Looking Ahead...

13-15 February at 7.30 and 16 Feb at 2.30,2014 - Alan Ayckbourn’s comedy ‘Ten TimesTable’. Walberswick Village Hall. Tickets £8pp from the Tuck Shop Walberswick, or onthe door 30 minutes prior to performance.01502 722255. All funds in aid ofWalberswick Village Hall (reg charity no:1100032).

Contact suzy@townherald.co.uk to add yourevent to our web diary or next edition.

Coming EventsSponsored by The Computer Cabin at HG Crisp

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10

Do you run a local group? Needto add, update or correct anexisting listing? Get in touch!editor@townherald.co.uk. Detailscan change at the last minute socall ahead before visiting for thefirst time.

1st Saxmundham ScoutsGroup at HQ, MemorialField, Rendham Rd,Saxmundham. Boys and girlswelcome to join. Beavers:Fridays 5.15pm to 6.30pm.Ages 6 to 8, Contact LisaWood saxbeavers@hotmail.co.ukCubs: Tuesday and Thursday6pm to 7.30pm. Ages 8 to10.5. Contact Dave Kenny orAdrian Norris on the emailbelow Scouts: Wednesday7pm to 8.30pm. Ages 10.5 to14. Call Haydn Morris, sax_scoutgroup@btinternet.com Yoga In Westleton.Monday 5.30-6.30pm novices7 to 8.30pm intermediates.Westleton Village Hall. One-to-one yoga therapy byappointment. Judie Shore 01728 648460www. Suffolk coastyoga.co.uk “CRAFTY Ladies” CraftGroup. 1st and 3rdMondays, 10am to 12.30pm,committee room, KelsaleVillage Hall. £3 per session.Call Pam 01728 603995.Ladies Eastern DanceClasses Wickham MarketPrimary School, Tues from6.15pm (Beginners);Riverside Ctr, Stratford StAndrew, Thurs from 7pm.Call Leanne 07796 087255 orleda2713@btinternet.com Dress comfortably. Noexperience necessary.Pagans Beyond The Pale.Discussion Grp Badingham,Nr Framlingham 7.15 for

7.30. Meets monthly, on theWednesday after the NewMoon. For further info call01728 638580 or visithttp://tinyurl.com/paganspale Top Time At Sax Library. Thurs 11am to 12.30pm. Alladults welcome. Games, films,play reading, talks and muchmore. Free entry. Call SaxLibrary on 01728 403094.Refreshments 50p. Molly Dancing Come and seeOxblood Molly at a practicesession for a taster. Musiciansand dancers always wanted –no previous experiencenecessary. Most Sundays atPeasenhall Village Hall butcheck with Roy on 01728648901 or Julian 01986873941.Kelsale Art Group Thurs7-9pm, Kelsale Village Hallcommittee room. Newmembers welcome. Call Roger01728 667037 or Mike 01728603995.KT Crafts Craft Fair,Saxmundham Market Hall,1st Sat, 9.30am to 1.30pm.Free entry, refreshments.Call Tina 01728 604784. Inaid of local charities. ClosedJan, Feb, MarchLeiston & District PhilatelicSociety meet 4th Wed. atLeiston United Church Hall,High St, 7.30pm. Visitors andnew members welcome,whether beginners oradvanced stamp-collectors.Further info contact thePresident on 01728 830415 orSecretary on 01394 460901.Point Devis North WestMorris and GarlandDancing Thurs, GannonRooms, Sax 8-9.30pm Open to

all abilities. Dancers andmusicians welcome. ContactLin 01728 602465.Quaker Meetings in Leiston10.30am every Sunday,Quaker Meeting House,Waterloo Avenue, Leiston.Children's class and SimpleLunch every Fourth Sunday.Singaround Kelsale SocialClub, 2nd Thurs 8 to 11pm.All welcome. Join in or justhave a drink and watch. CallMike on 01728 603995 fordetails.GreenerSax come and join afriendly transition group,working towards a moresustainable Saxmundhamand surrounding villages.greenersax@hotmail.co.ukcall 07801 065385, websitewww.greenersax.org.uk Heritage Coast Dog TrainingClub every Wed 7.15 to8.30pm, Market Hall,Saxmundham. Dogs of allages; it’s a must for puppies.Run on a voluntary basis. Anyenquiries call Denise on01728 603386.Praise and Worship Evening1st Sat 7.30pm, YoxfordVillage Hall. Greatmusicians, vibrant singing,all welcome. Contact:Ray/Margaret 01728 602372.Melody Makers Mixed Choir.Rehearsals every Monday7.30 to 9pm. Kelsale VillageHall (2nd Mondays, MainHall, all others CommitteeRoom). Details from 01728602822 or 01728 602690. Labour Party, Leiston andDistrict Branch. Meets 4thTuesday at Friends MeetingHouse, Waterloo Avenue,Leiston, 7.30pm. More info

Regular events sponsored by

11

call 01728 833578.Leiston United Church hold acoffee morning every Fridayand Saturday 10-11.30am inaid of church funds. All arewelcome.PASTEL Fun Workshops 1st/3rd Saturdays (10.30am-3.30pm) at Fromus Centre.For young adults aged 15-25 with a learning disability.www.pastel.org.uk or contact01728 604944 or emaildon.tricker@pastel.org.uk Everyman Folk ClubRiverside Centre, Gt.Glemham Rd, Stratford StAndrew. Last Friday eachmonth 8pm. Call 01449615523 for tickets andmembership.Carpet Bowls. SaxmundhamMarket Hall. Tuesdays7-9.30pm. New memberswelcome. Info from FrancesMaynard 01728 605797 orLyn Martin 602078.Tai Chi Classes. Thursdaymornings in KnodishallVillage Hall, 11.15am to12.15pm. Other classes alsoavailable. Contact AliCrawford 01394 411717,ali.crawford@virgin.net Saxmundham Art GroupFromus Centre, Thursdayafternoons from 1-4pm. Newmembers welcome. £1.75 persession. Please contact Judy01728 602353.Saxmundham Royal BritishLegion every 3rd Wednesdayat the Gannon rooms. 7.45pm.Contact Rose Damiral White603817.Sax Boules. Join our friendlygroup. Club meetings willrestart Saturday February 12014. For more details contactJennie Pink 604340.

Westleton Village QuiltersWestleton Village Hall eachFriday from 1-4pm. £12 perterm or £1.50 for a singlesession. For more informationcontact Ann Bebbington on01728 648943 or email j ohn@ bebbington2 .orangehome .co.uk Aldeburgh Art Group. Meetsat The Baptist Chapel,Aldeburgh High Street from1.45-4pm every Tuesday.Open to all, this is a casual,untutored group. Bring yourown art. £2 inc. tea andbiscuits.Bruisyard Village Hall. Pubnights, every Thurs 7.30pm.Live music. Free admission.Come along for a pint anda chinwag. Pilates everyTuesday in Village Hall9.30 to 10.30am. BruisyardYoung People everyWednesday 6-7.30pm. Infocontact John Gibb 01728638912. Kelsale-cum-Carlton W.I.meets 2nd Tuesday,committee room KelsaleVillage Hall from 7-9pm. Newmembers welcome. ContactSue Potter on 01728 602177or Sue Granville-George on01728 604954.Monthly Market YoxfordVillage Hall, 2nd Sat 9am-1pm. Stalls and refreshments,raising funds for village hall.01728 668529 or emaildawn@ip17.co.uk Sax IT Club. Restarts March12, 2014. For details seewww.saxitclub. org.uk Saxmundham W.I. Meets 3rdThursday 7.30-9.30pm UnitedReform Church Chapel Road.Walking, play reading, lunchgroups. Contact Jenny Mann01728 604608

Sizewell and Leiston KarateClub meets Tues and Thursfrom 6-8pm. Run for over 25years! Children, adults,beginners or moreexperienced. All welcome.Telephone Liz 01728 604827www.slkc.co.uk or just turnup.Alde Valley Suffolk FamilyHistory Group. Meets 3rdMondays United ReformedChurch Hall, Chapel Road,Saxmundham, IP17 1BJ.Members £1.50, non-members £2.50http://tinyurl.com/aldevalley

Saturday Morning DramaClub. Middleton Village Hall.Ages 4 to 7 years from 9.30 to10.30am. Ages 8 to 11 yearsfrom 10.30 to 11.30am. £3simon@simonbridge.co.uk or01728 648420.Halesworth & District FlowerClub Meet 2nd Mondays atWenhaston Village Hall 2.pm,doors open 1.30pm. Visitors£4

www.bistroatthedeli.co.uk Regular events. Extraordinary Coffee!

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FAX:01728 604825

12

If you see grass in January, Lock your grain inyour granary.

I think I have said before that whilst mostpeople see January as the start of the New Yearto me September and harvest marks the end ofone farming year and the start of the next. Soin January at Peakhill farm its business asusual. Rob is getting as much maintenancedone as he can around the farm and continuingto feed and care for the cows as theyoverwinter indoors. As many of you will havea pet that you get up each day to feed and waterspare a thought for livestock farmers whospend most of their day doing the same thingbut on a much larger scale. It takes Rob mostof the morning to get all our 'girls' fed withsilage and he takes fresh straw into their winterquarters to keep them warm and bedded down.

Sadly, this year the silage feed will not stretchto feed all our cows through the winter months.Last years hot dry start to the summer meantthat the grass available to make silage wasseriously reduced. It's costly to buy in organicsilage so we have taken the decison to part with

some of our yearlings so we have a few lessmouths to feed. They are off to join a new herdthis month so we wish them well in their newlife away from Peakhill!

On a different note we are starting to plan ourother work for 2014 as we look ahead towarmer weather and campers and visiitors tothe farm. We are hoping to expand thecamping area and facilities so more people cancome and share in the lovely bit of Suffolk welook after. We are also planning some moreFilm at the Farm events this year so keep aneye on the Town Herald for information onupcoming events.

As January is usually pretty dark and cold, ifyou are stuck indoors looking out at yourgardens dreaming of spring it's important toremember two things...the shortest day haspassed so it's only going to get brighter andlighter...and it's the perfect time for seedcatalogues so grab a cuppa and plan what youwill grow in 2014!

Karen White

On the Farm

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New Year at Saxmundham FreeSchool

My name is David Lees and I am the newlyappointed Headteacher of SaxmundhamFree School. Being appointed as the firstHeadteacher of Saxmundham Free School isa tremendous privilege and an amazingopportunity to positively influence the livesof so many young people in Saxmundham. Iam a firm believer in getting the best out ofpeople, and that's no different with thestudents who attend Saxmundham FreeSchool. I have a real desire for them toachieve the best they can, to leave as lifelonglearners and to have a real enjoyment andpassion for learning. So everything I docomes with the caveat that it must improvestudent outcomes and help them to learnbetter.

So what will the New Year bring? It willstart for us with a celebration of what hasgone before. Firstly congratulating JordanBlezard aged 11 in Year 7, who is the winnerof the Saxmundham and Beccles Free SchoolChristmas Card Competition. Her fantasticdesign is shown below and was used as ourofficial Christmas card this year. We thenwelcome back our students and celebratetheir end of year trips to the NorfolkSnowsports Club to try skiing and the LilleChristmas market in France.

We will then set our New Year resolutions,

which for the school is simple we focus onour 6 C's to success; Commitment,Cooperation, Community, Confidence,Challenge and Celebration.

For students at the start of this New Yearwith a new term ahead of them, my messageis one of inspiration from the late NelsonMandela. "Everyone can rise above theircircumstances and achieve success if theyare dedicated to and passionate about whatthey do". So go and achieve your best in allyou do!

And the message I'd like to share with all ofus at this time, is one that reminds us of theimportance of the role that all schools play intoday's society; again from the words ofNelson Mandela. "Education is the mostpowerful weapon which you can use tochange the world." I look forward to the daywhen students from Saxmundham FreeSchool are changing the world, thanks to thework that all educators are doing to provideall students with a foundation for life.So like all of us the New Year is going to be abusy one; but that's how I like it!

David LeesHeadteacher

School Report

Jordan Blezard's winning Christmas Card design

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Write to editor@townherald.co.uk, TownHerald, c/o HG Crisp, 27 High Street,

Saxmundham, IP17 1AF

Thank you from Cats Protection

Dear Town Herald,

The Fram and Sax Cats Protection Homing Fair held at the Saxmundham Market Hall on 23 November was a huge success. Of the 14 cats and kittens we took for viewing 11 of them found new homes and potential homes were found for other cats in our care. Donations and sales raised over £600 and a substantial amount of cat food was donated. We would like to thank all of those who camealong to support us and gave so generously. It was a great end to our Homing Fair season and we look forward to seeing you all again in 2014.

If are thinking of adopting a cat or kitten orwould like to volunteer at one of our futureevents, see www.framandsax.cat.org.uk orcall on 01728 723499.

Sara Turley - Publicity Officer, Framlinghamand Saxmundham Cats Protection.

The Show Must Go On

Dear Town HeraldOn behalf of the Friston Aldeburgh Players Iwould very much like to thank those of you,imbued with the Dunkirk spirit, who came tothe Jubilee Hall in Aldeburgh at the time ofhigh flood alert to watch “ Black Comedy “ onthe 5th, 6th and 7th of December. Wethoroughly enjoyed ourselves and werethrilled to have such appreciative audiences.We would also like to thank the East ofEngland Co-operative Society for supplyingthe mince pies which everyone enjoyed afterthe performances.

Thank you for your support and we lookforward to seeing you at the next show!

Sebastian AllabyFriston Aldeburgh Players

RSPCA Collection

Dear Town HeraldMay we thank the folk of Saxmundham andsurrounds for their generosity during RSPCAweek when we collected at TESCO.

The combined total raised (Beccles andLowestoft) was £955.11 and loads of cat anddog food. We are currently full with cats sothe food will go a long way to help.

Deborah DannSecretary Suffolk East Coast Branch RSPCA

Letters to the Town Herald

COPY DATES The Town Herald ispublished at the beginning of the month.The deadline for Issue 19 is 5pm, onJanuary 20 for February 2014publication. Please note this is earlierthan usual due to the bank holidays. Call01728 885147 editor@townherald.co.ukor deliver copy to HG Crisp inSaxmundham High Street. Items may beedited and appear subject to space.

THANKS TO Belinda Moore, BobFoyers, Penny Robertson, Suzy Powling,Karen White.

PUBLISHER Joe Cassels, 22 St JohnsRoad, Saxmundham

ADVERTISING 1000 copies of the TownHerald are printed and distributed inSaxmundham, Leiston and surroundingvillages. Ads start at £12 per insertion foran eighth-page ad. Call 01728 885147editor@townherald.co.uk

Please mention the Town Herald when responding toadvertisers

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Pramblings are a series of pram-friendlywalks suitable for anyone wanting to getout and enjoy the countryside with youngchildren. These walks help parents andchildren to get fresh-air and exercise in thewonderful Suffolk Coast and HeathsAONB.

Thorpeness-AldeburghSteamer

1. Park at Thorpeness beach carpark and turn right towards theMere. Walk past the Meare andturn left into the road to the GolfClub.

2. At the Golf Club turn right andthen take the footpath on your leftdown the side of the Golf Club.

3. Stay on this path keeping theMere to your left.

4. At the end of this path you willemerge with the stone cottage infront of you, turn left and bearround to the left where you willsee the signs for North WarrenRSPB reserve.

5. Keep the sign on your right andproceed with the Mere to your leftand woodland to your right initially.This is the old railway line toAldeburgh so stay on this path withbeautiful views of the North Warrenreserve and coast on your left untilyou reach Church Farm HolidayPark. (Please note the secondsection of this path is permissive).

6. Follow the footpath signs throughthe campsite to the main entrancewhere you turn left towards thefamous Maggie Hamblin AldeburghShell sculpture on the beach. Crossthe main road and go across thebeach carpark. At this point you canturn right and enjoy an hour or twoin Aldeburgh. Toilets andrefreshments are in front ofAldeburgh Moot Hall. (About 500m).

7. With the “Shell” ahead of you pickup the paved path at the back of thebeach. Turn left and head backtowards Thorpeness, through theHavens back to Thorpeness carpark.

8. This walk can be done in reverse,from Thorpeness head Souththrough the Haven beach car parknear the Aldeburgh Shell sculpture.Or park at the Aldeburgh “Shell”and walk either way to Thorpeness.

The full guides are for sale in HG Crisp inSaxmundham. The cost is £6 in shops or youcan order online for £6 with 99p postage ontop. Anyone interested in getting a groupwalk together can contact the author KarenWhite through the Prambling website.www.prambling.co.uk

Prambling