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The Village Link Great Thurlow – Little Thurlow – Great Wratting

August 2016

Congratulations and a warm

welcome to Alex, Rebecca, Lucy and

Jon as The Cock Inn

reopens again on Saturday 30th

July

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Editorial co-ordinator Alison Coffey 783478 Senior Reporters Gt. Thurlow Margaret Ince 783117 Lt. Thurlow Iris Eley 783534 Junior Reporter Ellen Williams Please supply all adverts in either Jpeg or Bitmap format (not PDF)

Advertising Rates (per quarter page) Single advertisement - £10 Six months advertising - £40 Twelve months advertising - £65 Back Page Advertising Rates (per month) Full Page Colour - £50 Half Page Colour - £30 Quarter Page Colour - £20 To be supplied in Jpeg or Bitmap format

Cont

act

EMAIL ADDRESS FOR THE VILLAGE LINK

To contact The Village Link Team please email TheVillageLink @TheThurlows.org.uk

View The Village Link Online at www.TheThurlows.org.uk

Copy Deadline 15th Of Each Month

Web

site

Don’t forget to check out the Thurlow website. Keep looking as the site is updated regularly.

WWW.THETHURLOWS.ORG.UK

Thurlow Fayre

This year the Fayre will take place on Sunday September 4th in Thurlow Recreation Ground.

We are looking for volunteers to help with manning on the day, even if just for one

hour or two, to sell raffle tickets in advance and on the day.

Contact Alison on 07773631222 or email alison.coffey26@gmail.com

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THURLOW FARMERS’ MARKET – IMPORTANT UPDATE With sadness we write to tell you that trade at our Farmers’ Markets has not ‘picked up’ as we had hoped it would. Stall holders have become increasingly anxious about the low ‘footfall’ so we have decided that we will not be holding any more markets. We should like to thank all our supporters and stall holders for their attendance and apologise for the inconvenience this may cause. We have enjoyed running the markets and will be looking for other events to replace them in the future. The Village Hall Committee.

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Litt

le T

hurlo

w P

aris

h Co

unci

l Little Thurlow Parish Council

LITLE THURLOW PARISH COUNCIL The July meeting was attended by three members of the public, Borough Councillor Jane Midwood and six Councillors. Sue Acey was co-opted to the Council. Alex Bourne updated the meeting on the good progress with The Cock public house. The pub will be open on 30th July, with an official opening in August. The Parish Council is continuing discussions with Suffolk County Council regarding the lack of pre-school provision in Thurlow. The damaged footpath by The Grange was discussed; repairs have been requested. A rota for the Vehicle Activated Sign has been prepared; its first stint in Little Thurlow will be during August. Speeding traffic on Broad Road is being discussed with SCC. The Council is discussing the provision of Wi-Fi in the Village Hall with the Village Hall Committee. Matters of concern include the cutting of rights of way and footpaths in the village. The Parish Council will clarify the responsibility for their maintenance with the landowners. A Health and Safety policy has been drafted by Councillors, for discussion at the September meeting. A summary of the accounts for the Village Link was presented; continued support from the Parish Councils will be requested for the coming year. The Council was notified of an imminent planning application for an extension of the Wychem facility to Broad Road. Due to the location of parish boundaries, this is of direct relevance to Great Thurlow and Bradley.

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Thur

low

WI

Thurlow WI

THURLOW WI REPORT The July garden meeting of the WI held at Mill House the home of member Una Higgins was once again spoiled by inclement weather and had to be held in the garden room. President Dawn Abbey read the minutes of the last meeting and noted that during the last month two members had visited the college gardens at Cambridge, three had gone to the “Anyone Can Sing” evening at Lavenham and two, Dawn and Sarah Holt had taken part in the fun cycle ride supporting St Nicholas Hospice, all Federation Events. Notice was given of a walk around Wickhambrook, techie sessions, patchwork workshop, and a poetry and tea afternoon. We then enjoyed strawberries and cream and other goodies provided by the committee. Winners in the raffle were Karen Canterford, Iris Eley, Rosie Winner, Arline Vollam, Una Higgins and Kate Griffiths. Dawn thanked Una for hosting the event and a photo was taken in the garden. Next month we will visit the Chocolate Shop at Steeple Bumpstead and will be back in the village hall in September. Iris Eley

Memories of Thurlow I moved with my family to Mungo Lodge in Little Thurlow in 1951 and lived there until I married in 1960. My best friend was Jean Garrod who lived with her family in the street, unfortunately she is no longer alive. I have many happy memories of my time spent there, my father worked for Major Bartholomew at Little Thurlow Hall as a gardener. Elizabeth Frink lived opposite us and I well remember her, nice to see her work often when visiting places. I have the millennium book published in 2000 and knew several of the people pictured there. It would be lovely to be contacted by someone to share my memories with. I was June Buckle now June Bunn 01284 810743

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YOUR SAY ON THE SUFFOLK-NORFOLK DEVOLUTION DEAL

Suffolk and Norfolk residents are being asked for their views on a proposed devolution package which would include electing a mayor for the two counties. The majority of councils across Norfolk and all in Suffolk, along with the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership have supported the deal and agreed to ask the public for their views. The consultation will run until 23 August. Key elements of proposed Norfolk/Suffolk deal are:

£25m funding each year for the next 30 years (£750m) to support economic growth, development of local infrastructure and jobs

£130m investment over five years to support the building of new homes across Norfolk and Suffolk

Over the lifetime of the deal around 200,000 homes could be built Control of a £225m transport budget for the next four years Control of an existing c£20m annual adult skills fund to ensure the

training offer matches the needs of local businesses and the local labour market

Control of an existing c£2m annual apprenticeship grant for employers

The deal provides for the creation of a combined authority, made up of the leaders of each of the district, borough and county councils involved, and a directly elected mayor. The Combined Authority would decide the most effective and efficient level to deliver services to ensure the best possible outcomes for communities. About the Mayor

The Mayor would be elected by residents in the council areas that have voted to approve devolution

The Mayor would not be able to make decisions alone and would require the support of a certain number of members on the CA to progress his or her proposals

Existing civic mayors across Norfolk and Suffolk would not be affected Locally, the elected mayor would be held to account by voters (with

elections every four years) There would also be an Audit Committee and an Overview and Scrutiny

Committee set up to review spending and decision making respectively No decision has yet been taken on how much the elected mayor would be

paid

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As part of the consultation, people are being asked for their views on more decisions being taken locally, rather than at central government. They will be asked if they support the creation of a combined authority chaired by a mayor for the two counties, how decisions should be taken and how a combined authority and mayor should be held to account for the decisions they take. People can have their say by visiting www.eastangliadevo.co.uk and completing the online survey or the hard copy version. The website also includes further information about the proposed deal and the role of the proposed combined authority and mayor. In addition, Ipsos-Mori will also be carrying out more than 3000 phone surveys across the two counties to ensure decision makers have a representative sample of views. Those areas that approved the proposed Devolution deal are:

All Suffolk borough, district and county councils New Anglia LEP Norfolk County Council Broadland District Council Kings Lynn and West Norfolk South Norfolk District Council

However, Norwich City Council, Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Breckland and North Norfolk District Councils voted against the proposals In Suffolk, councillors will vote in October on whether to give the scheme their backing once the responses from the consultation are known. Critics of the proposal argue that it does not give the new combined authority any real powers or freedoms to operate and much of what happens will still be dictated by Whitehall. There are also worries that the new system adds further unnecessary expense and bureaucracy at a time of financial constraint. Contributed by Cllr Mary Evans Suffolk County Councillor for Clare Division Chairman SCC Scrutiny Committee Old Village Hall, Lower St. Stansfield, Suffolk, CO10 8LP T 01284 789478 M.07714597992 Mary.Evans@Suffolk.gov.uk

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Community Chest sees results as funding for 2017/18 opens

The first set of projects to receive funding from West Suffolk councils’ Community Chest, are seeing results. Forest Heath District Council and St Edmundsbury Borough Council launched the Community Chest in June last year and issued its first grants just four months later. Charities, community and voluntary organisations applying for funding have to be able to demonstrate how their work will help the West Suffolk councils strengthen families and build community resilience. In Forest Heath, Unit Twenty Three received £5,000 for the FreeFall theatre project in schools designed to help Young Carers by raising awareness of the role they fulfil and supporting them in it. The performances at Newmarket Academy and Mildenhall College Academy were part of a wider tour which visited 10 schools, included 18 workshops, and which reached close to 600 young people. That in turn saw nine new young adult carers receive training, which will enable the project to grow to benefit the wider community in the year ahead. Cllr Robin Millar, Forest Heath Cabinet Member for Families and Communities said: “The work of Unit Twenty Three is just one of the emerging success stories made possible in Forest Heath thanks to the Community Chest. Very simply, the funding is there to help communities help themselves and where better than at the start, recognising and supporting the Young Carers who look after a family member and play such an important role within our communities.” In St Edmundsbury meanwhile Catch22, Suffolk Positive Futures is helping young people learn life skills and build their confidence by involving them in free weekly sports sessions. The sessions in Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill also help them feel a part of the community. Backed by £8,900 of Community Chest funding, the project is at the halfway stage and has so far seen close to 1,100 people, with around 60 youngsters attending each week. Cllr Robert Everitt, St Edmundsbury Cabinet Member for Families and Communities said: “Sometimes, for whatever reason, young people may feel disassociated from the very community that they are growing up in. By building their confidence, learning life skills and building a connection with their part of the community we increase their contribution to society and reduce the costs from nuisance and support later in life. It’s a great example of how Community Chest can work.” Community Chest is now inviting applications for funding for 2017/18. A combined total of more than £470,000 (£142,905 in Forest Heath and £332,147 in St Edmundsbury) is available for 2017/18. The deadline for applications is Friday 30

September 2016 and the successful bids will be announced by the end of December 2016 with projects starting in April 2017. Further details about the Community Chest fund, the councillor locality budget scheme and West Suffolk’s Families and Communities Strategy can be found at: www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/community

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Prevention is better than cure as Community Chest opens for bids

West Suffolk councils are looking to invest in innovative ideas to improve health by identifying and tackling an issue before it becomes a problem. Extra money is being made available through the Community Chest operated by Forest Heath District Council and St Edmundsbury Borough Council. The money, totalling just under £165,000 has been made available to the councils via Suffolk Public Health. Successful applications will show how they will use the money to work with communities and deliver innovative approaches to tackling health inequalities. Cllr Robin Millar, Forest Heath’s Cabinet Member for Families and Communities said: “Clearly it is better to have fences at the top of cliffs rather than ambulances waiting at the bottom. Just like Community Chest, this money is available for charities, community groups and voluntary organisations to come forward and show how they can make a real difference. It is also important that in doing so we look at the person rather than a condition, how did they get to where they are and what are the barriers that prevent them changing their situation themselves.” Cllr Robert Everitt, St Edmundsbury’s Cabinet Member for Families and Communities said: “No one wants or deliberately chooses to be unhealthy – but sometimes they need help. This funding is about how we confront poor health outcomes. It involves understanding an individual’s relationships with their family, friends, neighbours as well as their access to GPs, sports clubs and other facilities. It is also about how we give an individual control back over his or her health, by taking small steps, building confidence, and empowering them on their longer journey.”

Suffolk community transport re-launched Suffolk’s Community Transport system has been relaunched as Connecting Communities. The tenders for the county’s community busses had to be re-negotiated because they were due to expire and the county council took advantage of that exercise to stream line the services to make them more efficient. The operators across the county are now collaborating to keep administration costs down so, for example, they are sharing training sessions. They have also made their services simpler to understand for users – with one phone number in each district to call. For us it is 01440 712028. They also aim to run their services for longer each day – hopefully from 7am-7pm, Monday to Saturday. The key improvements in our area are: • Centralised telephone booking line with email journey request facility • Overall extension on booking and service hours • Greater focus on making connections with bus and rail services • An IT booking and scheduling system • Marketing strategy to engage with young people via Facebook & Twitter • Developed links with health related transport provision • Developed opportunities to provide transport for Samuel Ward Academy students See www.Suffolkonboard.com for more information Contributed by Cllr Mary Evans Suffolk County Councillor for Clare Division Mary.Evans@Suffolk.gov.uk

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The Cock Inn It seem like a lifetime ago that I walked into the Cock at Little Thurlow for the first time and I think it is because when I did, I instantly felt at home. Within a couple of days my wife and landlord had seen and approved the plan, we were under offer and thanks to the very kind help and support of the previous owners, the Rowe family, we managed to complete the purchase in quick time. Rebs and I had the vague plan of what we wanted to achieve in our heads when we were looking for a site, but it took us a while to develop it when we got here. We listed from traditional pies like those of the Guinea Grill, over to Thai for some reason and back again before finding the balmy waters of the Mediterranean and the wonderfully simple cuisine of bella Italia. We then set out to find someone who could bring this all to life as Rebs informed me that she isn’t a short order chef, rather a caterer. This is a difference lost on me as my expertise in the kitchen is not actually from a kitchen but a small solid fuel burner and boil in the bag courtesy of Her Majesty, consumed with the same spoon issued to me on my first day in the Army. Alas, my embarrassment didn’t last long and Select Recruitment agency delivered the pristine Jon and Lucy Herring to take on the head chef and front of house roles, all pukka like from Jamie Oliver’s pizzeria in Cambridge. Meanwhile I had been working on the shop in the back of the pub. Thanks to the community pub group I had been put on to Bernard Lee form Pub is the Hub. Bernard is one of those rare characters who backs up his good intentions, sound advice and best wishes with solid actions. In our case it was providing a grant to fit the shop out. This means we have been able to put in custom fitted units and a counter which I think will set the scene nicely for great local produce and convenience. As well as this Bernard frequently dropped in to see how we were getting on and that in itself was a great boost when the end seemed all too far away- thank you Bernard. Work ground on and we experienced the full retinue of building disasters and horror finds, though I only electrocuted myself three times which demonstrates some progress. Fortunately, the greatest permasmiling electrician this side of the Danube, Tony to you and me, arrived to save me from myself and I hung up my pliers and copper shoes for good. Williams’ major and minor, formerly of this parish, sorted the plumbing with all the efficiency of a German accountancy firm crossed with the humour requisite to deal with frequent changes in plan. And of course Keith, Darren, Michael, Mark, Lorna, Steve, a boxer from Essex, molecatchers from Herts, Slablayers two from Haverhill, someone who came in and charged me £150 for something though I’m not sure what, Tim Gould renaissance man and Chris Field who fielded some field compost topsoil presumably from a field to go on our top field as well as many others - could not and would not be able to do it without you. A special mention goes to Peter and Ryan Hinton: father and son, carpenter and decorator, heroic and virtuous in the immense loyalty and good nature they have shown toward us here- thank you to you both, you truly made your mark on the project and I will be forever grateful.

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As I write this I can hear the faint whirr of the dough mixer running in the kitchen and smell fresh coffee coming over the bar. Mrs Vestey’s horses have just clopped past and there is a pleasant calm about the place. I put this down to the unnerving loyalty of my wife and our landlord who has taken care of everything behind the scenes, in particular looking after our wonderful little boy Wilbur. You may have seen me pacing up and down contemplating the difference between skipping stone and wimbourne white or dishing out orders, but it is Rebs who we all have to thank for propping this all up and making it all happen. All of the fine touches and little ideas as well as keeping me sustained throughout the run up are down to her and she has shown what a special person she truly is. For this I won’t be able to thank her enough. We also have both of our families to thank, Vicky and Steve in Cowlinge and Robert and Claire in Duxford, as well as my parents who are in Wales though frequently gather the sherpas and get down here from time to time to help with nap-pies and nail guns- thank you all for your love and support. As the refurbishment that was supposed to take a month of the small shopping centre that was supposed to be just a pub comes to an end, Rebs, Lucy, Jon and I have found a new wind from all of the kind support and generous spirit we have received form the village. We will open quietly on the 30th but there is much yet to come. I look forward to getting to know you all. Yours ever, Alex Bourne

We would like to extend a very warm welcome to you all, Alex, Rebecca, Lucy and Jon and to wish you every success in their new venture!

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Thurlow Estate News Sh

oot

Shoot The keeper is putting the finishing touches to the pens in preparation for the first of the poults to arrive at the end of next week. We will then have several further deliveries over the next fortnight, each spaced a few days apart so that the birds can acclimatise to their new surroundings. Finishing touches include building shelters for the feeders to sit under to keep the rain off and the construction of structures around the pens for the birds to perch on and keep off the wet floor later on when the rains come.

Farm

Farm By the time that this goes to press we will (hopefully) have started our harvest for this year (see picture on back cover). We are aiming to start combining the barley at Balsham first, the land is lighter around Balsham and therefore the crops should be ready earlier. We will also be making a start on the oil seed rape at about the same time as this has been desiccated in the last few days. We now have our full complement of harvest staff who have had their pre-harvest induction and training and are now hopefully ready go. Unfortunately we have some concerns over the quality of the grain this year, the sustained wet weather and overcast conditions that have been prevalent over the last few months, we feel, will mean that the grain hasn’t filled out quite as much as it should before it is harvested – only time will tell on this. Fingers crossed for long sunny days and no rain!

Hun

t

Hunt The last of the Hunt Hacks is due to take place on Sunday 21st August and will leave from Horseheath Racecourse. The route is up to 15 miles long on a figure of eight loop, so riders wishing to finish earlier will pass the starting point after approximately 5 miles. Entries on the day only, Adults £15 and Children under 16 £10 (must be accompanied by an adult). For further information please visit the Thurlow Hunt website - www.thurlowhunt.co.uk or www.horsedates.co.uk. The Peterborough Festival of Hunting is the next event on The Thurlow Hunt calendar where they will be exhibiting Hounds in most classes. It takes place on Wednesday 20th July and we will let you know the results next month. The Huntsman and First Whip are now back on their horses again whilst exercising the Hounds, covering more ground and trying to get them fit again for the start of the season (the Hounds not the Huntsman!!).

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Prop

erty

Property There are several properties shortly coming available on the Estate, mainly in and around the Thurlows. These properties range in size from 2 bed cottages up to 4 bed detached houses. If you would like any information on these please call the Estate Office on 01440 783 661 or they can be viewed on the Carter Jonas Bradshaws website - www.carterjonas.co.uk. The external redecorations program is progressing well and we are currently obtaining quotes for several larger renovations projects which will hopefully commence later on in the year.

Woo

ds

Woods Aspect Forestry are due to return to the Estate shortly to undertake several thinnings within the Estate woodlands. The majority of the timber that this work produces will be processed into firewood for next seasons log deliveries. The better quality oak timber will be sold to local saw mills to be made into planking, beams or furniture. We have now started our deliveries for the year and are already taking orders so please call the Estate Office on 01440 783661 or email firewood@thurlowestate.co.uk to order your load of seasoned hardwood.

Oth

er e

vent

s

Other events The Horseheath Country Fair on Sunday 3rd July at Horseheath Racecourse was a great success with in excess of 2500 visitors. Luckily the weather was kind to us on the day. Finally, we are delighted to announce that the inaugural Horseheath British Eventing fixture is taking place at Horseheath Racecourse on 13/14th August, entries for this event opened on the 8th July and further details can be found on our new Thurlow Estate website www.thurlowestate.co.uk or www.britisheventing.com. Preparations are well underway for what we hope will be an excellent event.

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Nature Note N

atur

e N

ote

Nature Note July is usually a quiet time for birds but it’s often the best month of the year to see butterflies, emerging to drink in nectar from the summer flowers. This year, however, we’ve had such disturbed weather with these heavy rains and squally winds that many things have been knocked out of kilter. Knocked out of the sky, too, in the case of butterflies, many of which are just venturing out for the first time in all their fragile beauty. Imagine how vulnerable they are if caught in downpour, with huge raindrops exploding on and around them like shells. In fact they dive for cover in a shower, just as we do. They usually hide under nature’s own umbrellas, clinging to the underside of leaves until the danger passes and using the clever waterproofing on their scales to shed stray droplets from those delicate wings. They have to come out eventually, though, and in the hope of finding some of Britain’s finest I took a chance on the weather and headed to a very special wood in Wiltshire, which is home to three of our most charismatic species, all with names are lovely as their appearances: the white admiral, the silver-washed fritillary and the purple emperor. It didn’t look promising. The rain was falling steadily when we arrived and we sloshed through dripping woodland rides. But then there was a sudden break in the leaden cloud-cover, a tiny window of blue – like the patch on a Dutchman’s trousers, as my mother used to say. The first rays of sunlight pierced through, bringing an immediate rise in temperature and a wave of humid heat. There was a quickening of pulses all round – ours and, more importantly, those of the butterflies, which are wholly dependent on the warmth of sunlight to mobilise their tiny engines. Within seconds we saw a few of the commoner ringlet butterflies on the wing, then a shout went up as the first white admiral glided past and settled to nectar on a bramble flower. The white admiral is unrelated to the much commoner red admiral we see in our gardens in Thurlow, but has the same stately presence, with broad blackish wings patterned boldly by white bars. Then within minutes the first silver-washed fritillaries floated easily down from the treetops. The French name for these is La Grande Nacre, the ‘Great Mother of Pearl’, which perfectly catches the effect of the black spots on the rich brown wings with their scalloped edgings (see back cover). The English name comes from the silver streaks on the under-wing. The last of this famous trio of beauties was more elusive, but eventually we glimpsed a single purple emperor, too, gliding round the tops of the oaks in its distinctive stiff-winged action, glinting as the iridescent purple sheen of the male caught the sun. The vision lasted just an hour. The clouds closed in and the rains came again. But as the great Indian poet, Rabindranath Tagore said, ‘The butterfly counts not in months but moments, and has time enough’.

Jeremy Mynott Lavender Cottage 15 July 2016

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Cats A poem for my cat’s 14th birthday

Plump little bundles, The furry babies. Bean shaped pads, Pacing delicately, A splatter of soil from the garden. Traces of fur, Brown, white and black, A tinge of grey on the snout, She isn't so young anymore. What's that? Do I have an extra shadow? Follows me straight to the kitchen! The gentle tap, Chorus of mews, Can opener is out, Tuna on the tongue. The sun sets, Purring commences. Green eyes close, A twitch of the tail. Peaceful summer days, Ending with that furry little smile. Ellen Williams, 17 years old, 101 The Hill

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Thurlow Fayre Categories for the Produce Show

Once again, as part of the Thurlow Fayre, the Produce & Craft Show returns. The Produce & Craft Show is open to everyone visiting the fayre and we are particularly looking to encourage those of you who haven’t entered before!

Points are awarded for first, second and third place and the overall show winner will be presented with the ‘Archer Shield 2016’. So what’s stopping you from growing some vegetables, flowers, baking, knitting, being creative or taking a picture.... NOTHING so see you in September!

Vegetables: 4 runner beans Longest runner bean 4 potatoes 4 onions 4 carrots 4 beetroots Heaviest marrow 2 courgettes 4 tomatoes 4 peppers or chillies of mixed or same colour 2 cucumbers Most exotic fruit or vegetable Shoe box of fruit and vegetables, minimum of 3 varieties Fruit: 6 raspberries 4 plums 4 apples 4 pears Flowers: Bunch of tied herbs, minimum of 3 different varieties 4 mixed roses Single rose for perfume 4 dahlias, mixed or same colour or variety Buttonhole of flowers Flowering pot plant Foliage pot plant Vase of mixed flowers Miniature garden on paper plate - for children 12 and under only

Home Produce: Jar of marmalade Jar of stoned fruit jam or jelly Jar of soft fruit jam or jelly Jar of chutney or pickle Swiss roll 4 cupcakes 4 jam tarts 4 bread rolls 4 cheese scones - men only 4 eggs Handicrafts: A knitted garment A knitted toy Work of art, any medium Photograph taken of local area Drawing of cartoon character - for children 12 and under only Entries for all categories are for both adults and children except where stated.

Further details of how to enter and where to bring your produce will be given in future editions of The Village Link.

Any questions please email:

alison.coffey26@gmail.com

07773631222

01440783478

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TIPS FOR SHOWING VEGETABLES, FRUIT AND FLOWERS

General Guidance: 1) Stage your exhibit in good time so you don’t have to rush and you will have time to consider all the Presentation hints shown below. 2) Read (and re-read!) the Show schedule. If in the Schedule you have to show 6 Raspberries or 3 Dahlias for example, make sure you have the correct number on display. If you show the wrong number you run the risk of having your exhibit disqualified. Sadly I speak from personal experience! You may find it helpful to take a couple of spares in case of any damage caused by taking them to the show. 3) Take the Schedule with you when you stage the exhibits so you can refer to it if necessary. 4) If you know the name of the variety, print it neatly on a small card. Presentation: 1) Whether you are showing Fruit or Vegetables, show them on a clean plate. 2) Try to show equal quality and size exhibits – it is not necessarily the biggest that is the best. 3) Space the produce equally and symmetrically around the plate. 4) Sometimes, a level amount of clean sand on the plate shows off the exhibits to the best effect 5) Position the exhibits on the plate so that all of them show their best “face” forward, hiding any small blemish at the back 6) Place the exhibit where you feel it is shown to the best advantage – as central as possible on the table and close to the front, and certainly not “hidden” behind a larger exhibit. DO NOT MOVE ANOTHER EXHIBIT TO PLACE YOUR OWN, MOVING AN ALREADY STAGED EXHIBIT BY SOMEONE ELSE IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SHOW MANAGER. 7) Ensure all the produce is clean of soil. 8) Remove any obvious damaged or discoloured foliage. 9) If stalks remain on say, Tomatoes, Courgettes, Peppers etc, try to get all the stalks cut to the same length and facing the same direction round the plate 10) If showing flowers, separate the flower stalks in the vase so the flower heads do not touch each other or overlap 11) Get all flower heads to face the front 12) Where 3 vegetables or 3 flowers are requested, it is conventional to show them in a triangle shape, with one at the top and the other 2 lower and either side 13) In the Flower section, remember the judge is judging the flowers only so neatly remove any buds You have taken the time to grow your exhibits, so show them to their best effect and enjoy the Show. Even if you don’t win, you will find you have enjoyed the experience of showing your very own produce – and there is always next year! So, come on and give it a go and the very best of luck.

TOM GIBBONS

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Tales from the Garden Ta

les

from

the

Gar

den

The Garden in August Well, here we are in August, the peak of the summer and hopefully it's time to relax and enjoy the summer in your garden. However take a little time to see what can be improved - anything growing too big or is now in the wrong place. What gaps are appearing - you know what they say, "Nature hates a vacuum" so if you don't fill a gap, then weeds will. Check what late-flowering plants are available which next year might extend the colour beyond the main flush of early summer annuals and perennials. As regards flowers, it is important to dead-head as much as possible - as well as making the plants tidier and better-looking it will also allow the plant to continue flowering. At the time of writing this, we have just got over a period of extended monsoons, so watering doesn't seem to be a priority. However, hanging pots dry out remarkably quickly, as do any plants in pots and any ripening fruit and vegetables will certainly benefit from continuing watering. In fact at this time of the year, the main jobs will probably be watering and, of course, weeding (especially with a hoe). Keep harvesting fruit and vegetables as soon as they are in peak condition. If you can't use them immediately, then freeze as much as you can. If this is not possible then I'm sure family, neighbours and friends will appreciate your surplus - much better than letting anything go to waste in the ground! Our Village Show: If you have entered before, then please do so again and support YOUR show. If you haven't done it before, then please have a go, it can be great fun and with the large number of classes in the Show Schedule, you must be able to see something where you could enter. You wouldn't believe the number of times I have heard people in the tent say "I could have done better than that" or "I have stuff in my garden better than that" - was it you? Unfortunately the poor old Judge can only judge what is on the benches, he or she can't come and look at what's still in your garden. Our Show is not meant to be Chelsea or Hampton Court but it is OUR Village Show, so please do what you can to enter and support the village. Tom Gibbons

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20

Mon

thly

Chu

rch

Serv

ice

Rota

August - September 2016 Church Services

Date Day Time/Event Time/Event Time/Event Time/Event

7th Aug Sun 09:30 HC

Kedington 11:00 HC

Great Thurlow

14th Aug Sun 09:30 HC

Barnardiston 09:30 SOTW Kedington

11:00 HC Great Bradley

21st Aug Sun

10:00 Benefice HC

Little Bradley

28th Aug Sun 08:00 HC

Kedington 09:30 HC

Little Thurlow 11:00 HC

Great Wratting 18:00 ES

Kedington

4th Sept Sun 09:30 HC

Kedington 11:00 HC

Little Bradley

11th Sept Sun 09:30 HC

Barnardiston 09:30 SOTW Kedington

11:00 HC Great Bradley

The Benefice service rota is also provided online at http://www.stourheadbenefice.org/Stourhead_Benefice/Service_Rota.html

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What’s On! D

ates

For

You

r D

iary

!

Month Date Day Time Event Location Information

Aug 9th Tue 19:30 WI

Aug 13th / 14th

Sat / Sun

Horseheath British

Eventing

Horseheath Racecourse

www. thurlowestate.

co.uk

Aug 17th Wed 11:45

to 12:10

Mobile library 109 Bury Road Great Thurlow 01473 263838

Aug 17th Wed 12.45

to 13:05

Mobile library Thurlow

Sports Club Little Thurlow

01473 263838

Aug 17th Wed 14:00

to 14:20

Mobile library Coronation Cottages GW 01473 263838

Aug 21st All week Summer Art

Exhibition The Cock Inn,

Thurlow

Sep 4th Sun 10:00 Car Boot Thurlow Fayre

Thurlow Recreation

Ground 01440783478

Sep 4th Sun 12:00

to 16:00

Thurlow Fayre Thurlow

Recreation Ground

01440783478

Sep 25th Sun 11.00 Celebration Service

St Mary’s Church

Great Wratting

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Our Rector Writes

OUR RECTOR WRITES “The time will come when houses, fields and vineyards will again be bought and sold in this land”. Those are words from the book of the prophet Jeremiah in the Old Testament part of our bible. Jeremiah is one of the great characters in the Old Testament. The events about which we read in Jeremiah took place around the years 588/587 BC. Already ten years earlier the Babylonians had taken a group of captives from Jerusalem and placed King Zedekiah on the throne. Jerusalem was now under siege, and Jeremiah’s hometown on Anathoth under enemy occupation. Precisely now, with the fortunes of the land of Judah at their lowest ebb, and the prospect that the whole country will be occupied by Babylon, and its people be taken captive, Jeremiah, in an act of faith, buys a field for his family: he invests in the future. In so doing Jeremiah is saying to the people that God has a future for the land of Judah. It was the job of the prophet, the man of God, to speak the word of the Lord to His people, and to warn and to admonish them without fear or favour. Prophets, because they so often had an unwelcome message, were often unpopular people. At the time when the army of the king of Babylon was besieging Jerusalem, Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the guard, which was in the palace of the king of Judah. Poor old Jeremiah had told King Zedekiah that the whole city of Jerusalem, and the king, would be given into the hand of the king of Babylon. King Zedekiah, he had said, would also be taken to Babylon. This did come true later, and in due course Zedekiah was taken prisoner and carted off to Babylon, having first been blinded. Well, if you wanted to stay at the top of the popularity stakes the way to do it was not to tell the king he was about to lose the city and be taken prisoner. Hence Jeremiah found himself locked up in the guard house. Jeremiah had already written to the exiles who were away in Babylon, and had advised them that they should settle down there and lead a normal life, for the period of exile would last seventy years and then they would return home. That message of hope from God comes at the nation’s darkest hour. Just when it looks like total extinction for the people, God promises them a future: that they will be saved and restored to prosperity, returning joyfully to their homeland. All this Jeremiah sets out in chapters thirty and thirty-one. He looks forward to the new covenant which God promised to make with His people, to replace the covenant made at Sinai, and which they had broken. This time God will re-make His people from within and give them power to do His will.

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It is into this context, then, of the future restoration and prosperity of the nation that this story of Jeremiah buying a field fits. In the following chapter too the theme is still of future restoration. Looking at the context I think we can see quite clearly what a great act of faith that must have been for Jeremiah to decide to buy a field at a time when the land was besieged. That act, then, of Jeremiah buying a field, is a simple proof of his faith, a proof of his trust in His God. As I write this in late June, many people in our country are struggling to come to terms with the outcome of the referendum on membership of the European Union. There is much uncertainty around, and not a little ill-feeling. No-one, at the moment, seems quite to know what the future holds for our nation. On the morning after that historic vote, someone posted on social media site Facebook “A verse which encouraged me this morning: 'though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed', says the Lord, who has compassion on you. (Isaiah 54:10)”. The Church of England published the following prayer: Eternal God, Light of the nations, in Christ you make all things new: guide our nation in the coming days through the inspiration of your Spirit, that understanding may put an end to discord and all bitterness. Give us grace to rebuild bonds of trust that together we may work for the dignity and flourishing of all; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. Derek Hollis

Prayer needs and home Communions If you are in need of prayer, or are aware of someone who needs to be included in prayer, please contact the Rector. There is no need to go into detail and no-one will be mentioned by name in intercessions unless they give their permission but you can be assured that you or the person you bring forward will be prayed for. The same applies if you, or someone you know, hasn’t been able to come to Communion because of illness and would like to receive. In these cases you can still be included by the Rector or a member of the ministry team bringing Communion to you in your home. For all pastoral matters please contact Rev. Derek Hollis on 01440 763066.

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soil conditioner multipurpose potting compost

topsoil mixes barks

lawn dressings lawn seeds

freshly cut turf

available in bulk bags or loose

Come and see us at Sturmer Nurseries

Anyone for Tennis?

Come and play tennis at Thurlow Tennis Club Membership is now available for the 2016 season at https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/thurlowtennisclub/join

Family (including guests) £59.50

Adult £28.50 Junior £18.50

For further info contact: thurlowtennis@gmail.com

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ARTISTEEL LTD Art isan Blacksmith offering a bespoke service

*Gates, railings, balconies and balustrades made to your budget designed to suit your home

*Garden sculpture and trellis *Small works for gifts, fire grates, coal pokers, ornate candle holders *Curtain rails to fit awkward cottages and little windows, in any finish and style *Beautiful handrails and ramps for disabled access that blend in with your home Indust rial customers: *Health and safety guards, platform and access for industry *Welding and repairs for farming community *If you need a highly skilled welder, even for the day We are used to working with architects and other designers. We are fully insured and have all current PASMA, IPAF, MPQC Quarry passport and CSCS certificates. Contact: mobile: 07827966976; email: et ienne.egloff@art isteel .co.uk See our facebook page, www.art isteel .co.uk .

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Making women feel better about themselves

I help busy women get themselves off the back burner and

into the driving seat of their lives.

I am known for making a huge impact on women’s lives leaving them feeling men-tally uplifted and physically invigorated.

I’ve helped housewives to airline pilots. Email me to see my testimonials:

clairefoy@btconnect.com

Or call me for an initial chat: 01440 783342 or 07791 837114

Fully equipped, qualified & insured Personal Trainer,

NLP coach & Sports Massage Therapist

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DIY Home Maintenance

Are you looking for help with any DIY/ Home Maintenance?

Contact Andy an experienced tradesman who has

recently moved into Thurlow.

Andy has years of experience and prides himself on doing an excellent job everytime. His portfolio includes painting and decorating, DIY, general

repairs and differing types of restoration projects.

References available on request.

Please call Andrew Clay on 01440 783192

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INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS. This is a brief guide, intended especially for newcomers to the villages, with information about the facilities and services available locally and some useful telephone numbers and addresses.

Services and Societies in Thurlow Telephone Thurlow Garage – Ray Sharrod 01440 783248 The Cock Inn 01440 783224 Parish Clerk – Little Thurlow – Molly Hawkins 01440 783259 Parish Clerk – Great Thurlow – Diana Allin 01440 783560

Thurlow CEVC School – Head Teacher 01440 783281 Tiddly Tots – Zoe Hunt Wednesdays 10 am - 12 noon during term time

078911 46931

Thurlow Fayre – Alison Coffey 01440 783478 Thurlow Gardening Club – Dawn Abbey 01440 783646 Thurlow Sports Club Secretary – Allan Loveday 01440 707416 Thurlow Village Hall Committee – Ros Bunting 01440 783528 Thurlow Village Hall Bookings – Diana Allin Email: thurlowvillagehall@gmail.com

01440 783560

Thurlow Womens Institute – President Dawn Abbey 01440 783646 Thurlow Tennis Club—Andy Quick 01440 783070

Services and Societies in Great Wratting Telephone Neighbourhood Watch — Clare Egloff 07780724798 Red Lion, Great Wratting – George and Linda Sykes 01440 783237 The Great Wratting Book Group – Jean Newlands 01440 783111 Great Wratting Email Tree — Dawn Fisk— dawn.fisk@btinternet.com 01440 783993 The mobile library service stops at Coronation Cottages from 2.00 to 2.20 pm every 4 weeks, on Wednesday afternoons

01440 702638

Emergency Telephone Police Response – any officer, non emergency 101 Police Response – Emergency 999 Suffolk Fire Service 01284 558888 UK Network (Electricity) 24 hour Emergency helpline 0800 7838838 Anglian Water 24 hour Emergency Helpline (water/sewage) 08457 145145 British Telecom 24 hour fault reporting 0800 800151 Floodline 24 hour with recorded update 0845 9881188 In case of disaster or village is cut off, go to Thurlow Village Hall. Key Holder is Diana Allin – 89a Hill House, Great Thurlow

01440 783560

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Community Contacts Telephone Churches – Stourhead Benefice – Rev. Derek Hollis 01440 763066 Haverhill Social Services 01440 764949 Haverhill Citizens Advice Bureau 01440 704012 St Edmundsbury Borough Council Planning 01284 763233 St Edmundsbury Borough Council 01284 763233 St Edmundsbury Borough Council (Haverhill office) 01440 702271 County Councillor – Mary Evans 01284 789478 Suffolk County Council General Enquiries 08456 066067 District Councillor - Jane Midwood 01440 820360 Age UK - Mary Hilton 01440 783649 Thurlow Estate – Tim Barling, Agent Thurlow Estate – Tom Duffin, Assistant to Agent

01440 783661

Libraries – Haverhill Libraries – Bury St Edmunds A mobile library visits the villages every 4 weeks on a Wednesday stopping at Sowley Green, 150 Bury Road from 11:30-11:40 am; Great Thurlow, 109 Bury Road from 11:45-12:10 pm; Little Thurlow, Thurlow Sports Club from 12:45-13:05 pm and Great Wratting, Coronation cottages from 14:00 –14:20 pm.

01440 702638 01284 352545 01473 263838

Suffolk Radio – BBC FM 103.9 or 104.6 01473 250000 Refuse Collection Bin collection is every Friday morning alternating black bins one week and brown and blue bins the next.

01284 757320

Environmental Health and Pest Control 01284 757084

Health and Wellbeing Telephone Doctors – The Christmas Maltings and Clements Practice Doctors – Selby Practice Doctors – Haverhill Family Practice

01440 269366 01440 702010 01440 702010 01440 703667

Chemist – Boots, Haverhill Chemist – Sainsburys Pharmacy Chemist – The Co—operative Pharmacy

01440 702058 01440 708043 01440 702079

Hospital – West Suffolk (Bury St Edmunds) Hospital – West Suffolk Accident and Emergency Hospital – Addenbrookes (Cambridge)

01284 713000 01284 713333 01223 245151

Vets – Swayne and Partners (Haverhill) Vets – Lida Vets (Newmarket) Vets – Hawkedon Veterinary Surgery

01440 702007 01638 560000 01284 789428

Church Wardens Telephone St Mary’s Church, Great Wratting—Simon Corbett 01440 783698 St Mary’s Church, Great Wratting—Ben Stanton 01440 783103 St Peter’s Church, Little Thurlow—Robin Vestey T.B.A. St Peter’s Church, Little Thurlow—Iris Eley 01440 783534 All Saints Church, Great Thurlow—George Vestey 01440 783240

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Great Wratting Parish Council Contacts Telephone Chair – Gavin Acheson 01440 783515 Councillor – Anthony Lundrigan 01440 783817 Councillor – Dawn Fisk 01440 783993 Councillor – Steven Robinson 01440 783131 Councillor—Diana Curtis 01440 783898 Councillor - Keith Turner 01440 783460 Vacancy Parish Clerk – Richard Bowler - gtwrattingpc@yahoo.co.uk 01638 731300 If you would like information about joining Great Wratting Parish Council, please contact the Parish Clerk. www.parish-council.com/greatwrattingparishcouncil

Little Thurlow Parish Council Contacts Telephone Chris Field – Chairman 01440 783697 Jessica Hale –Vice Chairman 01440 783190 Will Griffiths 01440 783496 Chris Lowe 01440 783891 Andrew Dickson 01440 783385 Sue Acey 01440 783545 Geoff Patient 01440 783693 Molly Hawkins—Parish Clerk 01440 783259

Great Thurlow Parish Council Contacts Telephone Peter Thomas—Chairman 01440 783700 Conrad Hawkins —Vice Chairman 01440 783259 George Vestey 01440 783240 Stan Cook 01440 783532 Rod Pass 01440 783610 Naomi Watts To follow Jane Sheppard 01440 783209 Diana Allin—Parish Clerk 01440 783560

Parish Council Notice Board

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Harvest well underway!

A silver-washed fritillary - see Nature Note