Volume 8 • Issue No. 2 • DECEMBER 2020 InTouch ... · much looking forward to coming back to...

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Volume 8 • Issue No. 2 • DECEMBER 2020 Your free local community magazine: essenal local news, services & informaon delivered through your door every month www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk InTouch ™© with Dedham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary Bergholt to Bethlehem and Beyond See page 4 How many donkeys can you find? See page 16 Check out the renovated tennis court in East Bergholt See page 14

Transcript of Volume 8 • Issue No. 2 • DECEMBER 2020 InTouch ... · much looking forward to coming back to...

  • Volume 8 • Issue No. 2 • DECEMBER 2020 Your free local community magazine: essential local news, services & information delivered through your door every month

    www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk

    InTouch™©with Dedham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary

    Bergholt to Bethlehem and BeyondSee page 4

    How many donkeys can you find? See page 16

    Check out the renovated tennis court in East BergholtSee page 14

  • 2 In Touch online:

  • 3www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/eastbergholt

    IN TOUCH TITLES• Stowmarket & Stowupland• Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew• Melton & Woodbridge• Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley• Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham,

    Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath• Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit• Needham Market & The Creetings• Shotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead,

    Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone• Martlesham• Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton• East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford

    & Stratford St Mary• Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham• Capel St Mary (Capel Capers)• Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone

    & Washbrook• Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead• Westerfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham

    St Martin & Witnesham• Sproughton & Burstall

    We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe

    Printed on gloss paper from FSC certified sources

    Please recycle.

    EDITOR: Sharon JenkinsT: 01473 400380Send editorial copy to:[email protected] are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

    ADVERTISINGT: 01473 400380 E: [email protected]

    DISTRIBUTIONTree Martin: 01473 400380E: [email protected]

    PRINTING ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379E: [email protected]

    Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions.

    While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints.

    © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

    © In Touch with Stowmarket & Stowupland is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd

    Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP

    KEEPING IN TOUCHkeepingintouchwith.co.uk / spotlightmagazine.co.uk / vanillamagazine.co.uk

    Twitter: @InTouchEast / @vanillamagazine

    Instagram: @mansionhousepublishing / @vanilla.magazine

    Facebook: @mansionhousepublishing / @vanillamagazinesuffolk

    Fri 4 Decemberis the advertising and editorial deadline for the January edition

    A WORD FROM THE EDITORI can’t end this gruelling year without expressing how proud I am to live in this little corner of the planet where I’ve witnessed such remarkable generosity and reported on extraordinary achievements. I’m not ashamed to admit I have been reduced to tears on several occasions. The speed at which people responded when the first lockdown was accounced was astonishing. Groups formed almost overnight to provide practical assistance and emotional support, not knowing for how long they would be needed or the extent of the need. We’ve done our best to assist all the support groups, sharing information in print and online and promoting fundraising and food collection schemes, but it’s the people on the ground, making it happen every day, taking calls into the night, checking in on people who would otherwise be totally isolated who we must thank. While I hope we never have to deal with another crisis such as this, we’ve clearly proven we can and will step up to protect, care for and wrap a (social distanced) loving arm around those in most need.

    Yes, it has been a truly annus horribilis, but it is important to focus on what we have learned about society and about ourselves. I hope you feel more secure now than before because now you know there are amazing people in your local community who will respond when you ask for help. You simply have to ask! Isn’t it wonderfully reassuring to know that the true essence of community, a concept which many no longer believed in, is stronger than ever. Place has meaning because it makes us part of something which is bigger and stronger than we are alone and now we must ensure we not only retain the new connections we have formed but also work to strengthen them.

    We can do this by engaging more, by supporting and caring about where we live and doing our bit to support and care for others. We also do this by supporting our local businesses, the very backbone of local community. If we want access to the products and services our local businesses provide, we must support them now. And they deserve our love as without them our towns and villages lose that which make them a viable, interesting and unique place to live and raise our families.

    Let’s show our love by resolving to shop local, and not just for Christmas, though wouldn’t it be wonderful to present local gifts to friends and family this year, acknowledging in a very real way why our community is so very, very important to us all.

    I wish you good health and happiness for Christmas and the New Year but also send my regards to those who have suffered ill health or the loss of a loved one in the last year.

    Merry Christmas from everyone at Mansion House Publishing

    IN TOUCH NEWSThis month I’m focusing on our office supplies arm, Boswell Office Supplies. Boswell joined with Mansion House Group several years ago and it has been fascinating to get to know this highly competitive industry a little better. Jon and Mark are the resident experts and there’s nothing they don’t know about pens, folders, paper, screens, first aid kits, cleaning equipment, catering supplies…. well, it’s a long list but I’m sure you get the picture!

    However, you may be surprised to know that ‘office supplies’ also includes office furniture and we’re not just talking about filing cabinets and storage units, though both are available. With so many people working remotely, the demand for aesthetically pleasing desks, flexible work units and comfortable chairs, Boswell has introduced a new range of competitively priced home office furniture and seating which look good in any and every space.

    Desks come in every shape and size and a vast range of colours and finishes too. I have my eye on a ‘mid-century style compact desk in grand walnut finish and black accent panels and frame’. Sounds rather grand doesn’t it but it’s quite a modern little desk so Jon, if you need me to test it for you, I’m happy to be your guinea pig! There’s a lovely little black desk lamp on my wishlist too.

    You can see and order the full range online and Boswell will deliver to your home address. The Boswell delivery van is out and about five days a week, travelling throughout East Anglia to business premises and homes, so whether it’s a one-off order for that special desk or badly needed ergonomic chair or something you need regularly, our man in a van is happy to oblige.

    The Boswell website site is a treat if you have a specific requirement (everything is carefully categorised so it’s easy to search) but Jon and Mark are also available on the phone if you need assistance or advice before placing an order.

    Boswell Office Supplies is basically a shop on wheels so don’t get caught out… and yes, that’s covered too!

  • 4 In Touch online:

    NEWS

    As a small, local charity we have an annual programme of fundraising to support the work of Dr Jim Jesudoss, his wife Dr Sharmila and their staff at Vidiyal in Madurai, Southern India. We would usually have coffee mornings and plant sales but, in common with other charities during 2020, we have not been able to run these regular events, so we had to find alternatives.

    Over the past few months many of us have been keeping in touch with friends and family via Zoom, so we decided to use that technology to link supporters in the UK directly with the team in India. On Saturday 24 October, we hosted an afternoon tea with Jim. Although we were not able to join together in person in Capel, 50 households were able to gather across the UK and India to hear about the continuing work of Vidiyal and their response to Covid-19 among the slum communities of Madurai.

    We offered cream teas to those in the Ipswich area and everyone had the opportunity to put questions directly to Jim. Although we are separated by thousands of miles, we are united by our concern for these communities in need in Madurai.

    In April Jim reported that: “Many of the poor are on a hand to mouth existence and suddenly lost their livelihoods. None of the families in our partnering communities store or stock groceries and other essentials.

    “They earn for the day, buy and cook for the day. Now because they lost their daily income, they either have to borrow money from money lenders or starve. Our government’s relief is very meagre (Rs.1000/- (£10) per family).

    “Some of our children called me and asked, ‘when is the centre going to be opened?’, for which sadly I do not have an answer. Our children are very much looking forward to coming back to Vidiyal.”

    There has been some relaxation in the lockdown rules in India, but the schools have not re-opened and Vidiyal has not been able to re-open either. The team can visit families in the slum communities and has produced a video showing the work of the charity and the specific response to Covid-19. It was wonderful to share how the gifts of our generous supporters in the UK have been used to directly benefit those in need.

    The film is now available on our website: www.newdawnindia.org

    As a small charity run by voluntary trustees, all the gifts received are sent directly to India to support the work there. We have a new range of virtual gifts on offer, ideal for Christmas or any time of year, including specific items to bring relief from the pandemic. This can be found on the Support Us section of the website.

    If you would like to know more, please contact us via the website. We thank you for your past support and look forward to meeting in person in 2021.

    NEWDAWN INDIA UPDATE

    Christmas Eve in East Bergholt from 3-5pm

    Planning for this exciting new event is well and truly underway. By the time you read this, the planning committee will have met quite a few times, the route will have been decided and hopefully, we will have received many requests to be a part of our procession.

    Just to recap, this outdoor procession of Christmas themed floats is to replace our two Christmas Eve family services this year. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, it will be impossible to welcome the large number of families that we normally have to these popular services, and so we have thought completely outside the box this year. We are planning to

    offer something entirely different to the village that will be a wonderful way to start our Christmas festivities, whilst fully complying with all the Covid-19 guidelines.

    We are incredibly grateful to the parish council who are incredibly supportive of this event and have generously offered funds towards our expenses. We are equally thankful to the Community Ball Committee who have also offered their financial support.

    Our planning committee is made up of members of the parish council, community council and local businesses as well as members of St Mary’s Church. As you can see, although this event is church-led, it is most definitely a community event and we hope it will bring the village together this Christmas in what has been a most difficult year for us all.

    If you would like to become involved with this event, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always grateful for offers of help and of course the more floats we have in the procession, the better the procession!

    The route and exact timings will be revealed in the December parish magazine.

    Watch out for the donkeys! There will be quite a few around East Bergholt during December!

    Please contact:

    Liz Digby: [email protected] / 07557 569192 / 01473 312281 Jenna: [email protected]

    BERGHOLT TO BETHLEHEM AND BEYOND

  • 5www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/eastbergholt

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  • In Touch online:6

    NEWS

    WINTER IS COMING!

    Just as you check your car as we go into winter to maximise its health during the cold, so we should check ourselves. How can we keep ourselves healthy over the winter months?

    1. If you are entitled to your flu jab, please have it. The winter pressures on the NHS are always difficult and this year more than ever with Covid-19. The NHS has worked hard, putting their health on the line to provide us with the care we need during this pandemic, so do your bit by helping them – have your flu jab.

    Every year I have the same conversation; the flu jab cannot give you flu. It is an inactive vaccine – it stimulates your body to make antibodies. This does mean that you might have ‘mild flu-like symptom’, i.e. a temperature and a bit achy within the first 48 hours of the vaccine – this is it working. If you become unwell a week later, it is a coincidence because of the time of year and all the viruses going around. I have had the flu jab for the last 15 years give or take – not because I am vulnerable but because I am a nurse and it is the responsible thing to do to protect my patients and protect the NHS. I get a sore arm from it but that only lasts a couple of days.

    2. If you are prescribed a regular inhaler for your asthma, please make sure you are taking it as prescribed, which means every day. If you have asthma and you are not on a regular preventer, then please question that as you should be. Make sure you carry your blue inhaler (salbutamol) with you in case things like wood smoke trigger your asthma.

    3. Keep exercising – one thing I have heard a lot during this year on my nursing updates is how we are becoming deconditioned. We have stayed at home to protect ourselves and others but that has led to us exercising less. This is particularly obvious for those who are shielding. I would encourage you all to go for your daily walk if you can leave your house and if you are not, keep active at home. It is alright for those with COPD to get a bit short of breath on exertion and we would encourage that – even people without COPD get short of breath when exercising – that is normal and it is ok.

    4. If you are feeling lonely or isolated, please reach out to someone. There are teams of NHS volunteers out there that can talk to people who are struggling with isolation. This time of the year is hard for many with the dark evenings and cold. Don’t suffer in silence – reach out to friends, family or to us!

    5. Keep your houses warm and wrap up in layers when you go out. Temperatures drop quickly when it gets dark so plan for that if you are walking in the late afternoon.

    Blessings, Caroline, your Parish NurseCaroline: 07588 706869 / [email protected] Margaret: 07588 698284 / [email protected] Rozy: [email protected] www.CapelParishNurses.org.uk

    CONSTABLE COUNTRY PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP This year we were asked to help book in eligible patients for their flu vaccinations, starting with the most at risk over 65s. Individual appointments were felt to be a much safer option for patients at present and we were pleased to be able to help out.

    Around 500 patients were vaccinated each week and, along with those vaccinated at pharmacies, the practice was able to meet the target set by the NHS of 75% or more of eligible patients being vaccinated.

    Suggestions, Comments and ComplaintsThere are several ways you can get in touch with the practice. You can write to the practice manager, Pete Keeble, at East Bergholt Surgery, Heath Road, East Bergholt, Colchester CO7 6RT, or you can use the ‘Have your Say’ tab on the practice website: www.constablecountrymedicalpractice.co.uk

    Using this tab, you can send comments to the Patient Participation Group or the practice. On this link, you will also find the minutes of our monthly meetings and a list of members with our contact details.

    Alternatively, you can leave feedback about the practice using the Suffolk Healthwatch links on the website. If you scroll down to the very bottom of the page there is another link, ‘Send us your comments or suggestions’.

    If you have a serious complaint about the surgery you can contact NHS England by email – [email protected] – or in writing to NHS England, PO Box 16738, Redditch B97 9PT. Pharmacies are also covered by NHS England.

    Join us?We would like more people to come forward to join the Patient Participation Group. Contact us via our email address or by phoning Kathy. We would particularly like to encourage working-age people to join us.

    Kathy Pollard (Chair) [email protected] / 01473 311384

    STOUR VALLEY U3AKnocked back by Covid-19, we are now rebuilding as quickly as is safely possible. Most of our activity groups, including walking, ten pin bowling, fitness, canoeing and kayaking, are back up and running. Other groups, from philosophy, to book club and languages, continue to operate using Zoom. Our gardening group has several visits planned, including a week away to Harrogate.

    We are always open to new members. Our fee for 2020/21 is just £8. To find out more, visit our website to see how we work and get the latest updates about our local activities. You can also get in touch by email with Graham Manuel (chair) at [email protected] or Sue Basted (secretary) at [email protected].

    www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk

  • 7www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/eastbergholt

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  • 8 In Touch online:

    The KBB Centre is a family-run business based in Ipswich, designing, supplying and installing beautifully designed kitchens, bathrooms and fitted bedrooms. Owned and managed by brothers Roger and Patrick Peck, with over 60 years combined industry knowledge they have built up the business over the last 16 years with hard work, long hours, determination and an eye for detail.

    The brothers have followed closely in the footsteps of their family tradition. The story of KBB began in the early 1970s with Roger and Patrick’s late father, Alan Peck who opened his first home improvement business in Ipswich. Star Lines sold a variety of home improvement furnishings, eventually specialising in kitchens and bathrooms, AND will always be remembered for its catchy advertising jingle, with many locals singing ‘Let’s go down to Star Lines’ to the tune of Mike Oldfield’s In Dulce Jublio.

    Both Roger and Patrick worked at Star Lines during their youth, and although they went on to do other things in the industry throughout the years, they came back to their roots and established KBB in 2003, working out of a small

    unit on Elton Road Business Park. As the company grew, they moved to Lion Barn Industrial Estate in Needham Market and finally to Dales Road, where in 2009, Ipswich Town footballer Fabian Wilnis officially opened the new KBB showroom.

    The KBB Centre is now one of the largest independent kitchen and bathroom retailers in the area. KBB’s stunning showroom has over 5,000 square feet of kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms on display. Using in-house plumbers, plasterers and electricians, and boasting a wealth of essential building knowledge, KBB can offer a unique, fully managed service. The KBB team prides itself on its customer service and believes that the best form of advertising is word of mouth.

    The brothers are passionate about Suffolk and the community that they live in. Heavily involved in local grassroots sports, they are well known for sponsoring youth teams and grassroots festivals throughout the county and enjoy encouraging children to partake in sports and helping them reach their potential. They believe that grassroots festivals are a great way to get children either doing what they already love or trying something new, especially in this day and age of computer games and technology.

    Carrying on their family tradition the brothers strive to encourage people to shop local and support their independent businesses.

    They say: “The kitchen and bathroom industry has changed immensely since the Star Lines days. There is now so much competition from chain stores and online shopping. We believe buying locally from local people is so important. Our knowledge and our personal customer service is from people who really care and have been in the local industry for many years. It makes a huge difference to where and how you shop”

    Thank you to all our customers, staff and suppliers.

    We could not have made it through 2020 without you.

    We wish you all a Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.

  • 9www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/eastbergholt

    NEWS / OUT & ABOUT

    BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN HINTONIt’s getting close to Christmas and who knows what it is going to be like. We are all in lockdown again, hopeful that Covid-19 infection rates and pressure on hospital pressures will be reduced as a consequence. Being in a relatively low infection area makes the draconian measures seem irrelevant but moving about is the sure way to spread an infection like this. Stay safe, observe the rules, no matter how confusing they may seem, and we will get through this.

    By now the council will have discussed the draft Joint Local Plan and possibly approved it for final public consultation before submission to a planning inspector. At 610 pages it takes a bit of wading through and, despite having a paper copy in front of me, it is confusing and not exactly what one would expect of a ‘Plain English’ approach. Planning rules are complicated enough, designed I’m sure to allow anything to be the outcome depending on how it is phrased! At the same time, the council is looking at the Changes to the Community Infrastructure Levy rules. Now there is a typical piece of ‘local government speak’. The only mention of the deficit of ‘infrastructure’ is in the objections of residents to planning applications. Making developers pay for past mistakes is not allowed but residents have to live with the consequences of those past errors. Take the A12 at Junction 31 East Bergholt. Back in 2008, in its grand sounding ‘Route Based Strategy’, Highways England stated that traffic flows at peak times were at capacity for a dual carriageway and that the junction was substandard. It also stated that new developments of more than 50 homes would have to pay for junction improvements. Since then what has happened? Nothing!

    Planning will always be controversial but if the rules are enforced and are the same for everyone, they can be accepted. Gaming the planning system is a popular pastime but enforcement seems to be even more obtuse than the planning rules themselves. I will continue fighting for the constituents who have problems with the council and its systems.

    Remembrance Sunday has been and gone without the normal public solemn Act of Remembrance. A small socially distanced event took place at the War Memorial in East Bergholt. The important thing is that ‘We Will Remember Them’ and please support the Royal British Legion in its work for ex-servicemen and women and their families. You can donate via the Royal British Legion website.

    Let me finally praise the work of the silent army of people who keep things moving, even in a lockdown. Our bin men who every week without fail pick up one or other of our bins. The milkmen, butchers, bakers, postal workers and, of course, the staff in our local shops without whom we would be in real difficulty. Thank you to you all and stay safe whilst we hope that science creates an effective vaccination rather than some rather misleading charts and predictions.

    Stay Safe; Remember, HANDS: FACE: SPACE.

    Cllr John Hinton, East Bergholt Ward

    [email protected]

    MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETYThere was a good turnout for our first get-together since lockdown in the lovely surroundings of Green Island Gardens in Ardleigh. It was an opportunity to catch up in a socially distanced manner and photograph the beautiful autumn colours.

    We are a small and friendly group of photography enthusiasts who (in normal times) meet up on the Essex/Suffolk border. The club aims to provide an enjoyable environment for members to enjoy the development of their photographic skills through a variety of activities in the company of like-minded individuals.

    Our Zoom meetings continue to attract a good number of members and recent competitions were well supported. A high scoring image from a recent open colour competition, Amaryllis by David Garnham, is featured this month.

    The new season continues via Zoom and you’ll find the programme online. Forthcoming meetings a Seasons competition on November 26 and the club Christmas quiz via Zoom on December 10. All meetings will be held via Zoom until further notice. Normally our meetings are held at 7.30pm on the second, fourth and fifth Thursdays at the St Johns Ambulance Centre, Station Road, Manningtree CO11 1EB.

    New members are welcome to join us via Zoom at present or may attend initially as visitors. Please contact our secretary, Viv Scurrell for details: 01206 393751 / [email protected]

    https://e-voice.org.uk/manningtreeanddistrictphotographicsociety

    MANNINGTREE POETRY GROUPDue to the current situation, monthly meetings

    of Poetry Plus are suspended.

    We are now producing a monthly online electronic poetry magazine to keep poets connected and

    to provide an exciting collection of poetry.

    To discover Poetry Plus – The Magazine, which is entirely free and available to everybody, go to:

    https://poetryplus.org.uk/themagazine.html

    KENNY’S SESAW NEWSI guess this trail of biscuit crumbs, boiled sweets and tissues is from mum’s pocket, thanks to my housemate, Pushy Penny. If mum leaves her coat unattended that naughty Yorkie wastes no time in raiding the contents. Nothing is safe; sometimes she chews a hole right through, hence the scattered contents.

    We hope the lockdown has ended when you read this so that our plans are safe. Our indefatigable fundraisers should be selling ‘classy gifts’ and running a tombola at the festive fair on Saturday 12 December at Bridge Farm Barn, Monks Eleigh IP7 7AY. Sharon’s Christmas facemasks will also be on offer, quite the must-have fashion accessory for humans!

    We are still rehoming animals, by appointment only, but we politely ask that nothing is left at the sanctuary without prior arrangement. It’s critical to limit intake because everything must be quarantined to protect volunteers and bedding. Food or sale goods left at random make this impossible.

    Thank you for your unwavering support and best wishes for a safe and peaceful Christmas from all of us, including Ollie (the Black) Cat and me,

    Kenny (The Boss Chihuahua)

    Suffolk & Essex Small Animal Welfare, Stoke Road, Leavenheath CO6 4PP 01787 210888 / [email protected] / www.sesaw.co.uk

  • 10 In Touch online:

    OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS

    ROBIN’S CHILDCARE Baby BearsIn the baby room, we have been exploring and engaging in more and more craft activities! As the babies are growing and developing, their interests are changing, and they can focus on activities for longer periods. By offering a variety of gluing, painting, drawing and other mark making activities we are promoting all areas of development while also making artwork to be proud of. Hand-eye coordination, expression of self, fine motor skills, language development and brain development are just a few development links which art promotes

    TigersOver the past couple of weeks, the Tiger room has made lots of changes. We are putting out more maths and literacy to help with letter and number recognition. In the sand area, the children can practice their tipping and pouring, exploring their senses and feeling all of the different treasures inside. Our construction area is filled with a variety of materials and lots of loose parts, so children can create freely, designing anything from a building to a beach. They are also learning to balance and stack by making tall towers and watching them fall. At the end of every week, we do swap materials to make each week different and exciting.

    GruffalosWith so much uncertainty and everything being different right now, the Gruffalo provides an environment which acts an extension of home, giving comfort and providing safety to the children. The children are involved in everyday activities such as laying the table for lunch, setting up snack time, sweeping and washing up. Allowing the children to do these activities makes them feel valued and trusted and embeds what they see at home. Children learn so

    much through watching adults and giving them space and time to do these things helps them to develop respect for the daily routines, feel ownership and be an important part of the Gruffalo team.

    We continue to embrace all types of weather and spend as much time outside as we can in the garden and on the field. Being outside is one of the Gruffalo’s favourite things to do! The children enjoy the freedom to explore with the support of adults nearby if they are needed. Puddle jumping, hide and seek, crunching in the leaves, hunting for minibeasts, and observing the changes of the seasons are just some of the things we have been doing.

    MeerkatsThe children enjoyed the October half term week with spooky activities such as Dracula dentures making, ghostly slime and pin the smile on the pumpkin. Now that it is darker in the evenings, we have been going outside with torches to explore. Inside we keep busy playing pool, making playdough and getting involved with lots of arts and crafts.

    If you have any questions or require any information about the nursery, please contact Robin’s Childcare: 01473 310767 / [email protected]

    GREEN LIGHT FOR COUNCILS’ BIODIVERSITY VISIONCouncillors at Babergh and Mid Suffolk have approved their first Biodiversity Action Plan to protect and strengthen biodiversity, supporting the councils’ carbon neutral aims. The plan was developed by a cross-party Biodiversity Task Force, supported by experts. It is the product of biodiversity emergency motions passed by both councils in 2019. Its approval is a key step towards achieving the councils’ ambitions to protect and enhance the environment and links to their Joint Carbon Reduction Management Plan.

    Headline commitments include:

    • Developing a wildlife network map to help identify and create important wildlife corridors, and tree and hedge planting areas, enhancing connectivity and improving the management of existing and future Local Nature Reserves and wildlife sites in the district

    • Planting wildflower meadow verges and changing strict grass cutting regimes where suitable; encouraging bees and insects

    • Working with town and parish councils and local communities to identify areas where trees and hedges can be planted

    • Increasing hedge planting through the DEFRA Hedgerows and Boundaries Grant scheme and, where possible, helping to fund planting which isn’t eligible

    • Developing a Supplementary Planning Document linked to the Joint Local Plan to strengthen biodiversity protections and set out the districts’ expectations for design, landscaping and open space elements of new developments

    • Exploring the possibility of a green burial site

    Residents are also being encouraged to take action, however small, to increase biodiversity in their communities. This includes things such as installing bird and bat boxes, planting flowers to attract bees, creating hedgehog corridors, and being biodiversity-conscious when gardening.

    Additionally, the councils’ Tree for Life scheme continues to offer local parents a tree to celebrate the arrival of a child, or remember babies sadly lost. The scheme will play an important role in the wider-districts’ biodiversity, using native, locally grown and sourced trees.

    The councils will continue to work closely with existing partners, including Suffolk County Council and other non-governmental organisations, to protect natural habitats and work towards the Suffolk-wide ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030.

    Babergh’s recent decision to bring their public realm service in-house will also enable them, jointly with Mid Suffolk, to manage land more holistically to increase biodiversity.

  • 11www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/eastbergholt

  • 12 In Touch online:

  • 13www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/eastbergholt

    SCHOOLS / SPORT

    EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FCThe second lockdown has obviously halted local football again, disappointingly as the First Team had just reached the Second Round of the Suffolk FA Senior Cup as the result of a fine penalty shootout win at Debenham LC FC from the Eastern Counties League Division One North.

    Fixtures have been drafted to resume when the lockdown ends and we will all be keeping our fingers crossed that things have improved sufficiently to allow these to take place. If they do go ahead games will start at 1.45pm.

    UPCOMING FIXTURES

    1st Team Senior Division 5 Dec 20: Achilles (A)

    12 Dec 20: Trimley Red Devils (A) 19 Dec 20: Ransomes Sports (A)

    28 Dec 20: Cranes Sports (H) 2 Jan 21: Westerfield Utd (H)

    Reserves League A 5 Dec 20: Bacton Utd Res (H)

    12 Dec 20: Cockfield Utd Res (H) 19 Dec 20: Ransomes Sports Res (H)

    28 Dec 20: AFC Kesgrave Res (A) 2 Jan 21: Achilles Res (A)

    A Team League C 5 Dec 20: Walsham Le Willows A (A) 12 Dec 20: Needham Market A (A) 19 Dec 20: Needham Market A (H) 2 Jan 21: Wenhaston Utd Res (H)

    Fixtures are subject to change. Please refer to the fixtures website to confirm: http://fulltime.thefa.com/Index.do?league=4358069

    SponsorshipWe would like to thank our sponsors for this season: SMY IT Specialists, JAK Services Ground Care, Riverside Taxis Manningtree, Marquis, Bergholt Travel, G & C Timber & Joinery Ltd, Primus and Kitchen Worktops Online. If you would like to sponsor the club in some way, we would also be delighted to hear from you. Club strips, dugouts, banners and match day boards are all potential exposure for your business while supporting a local organisation.

    Steve Butcher (secretary): [email protected]

    Facebook: Ease Bergholt United Football Club Instagram: east_bergholt_united_fc / Twitter: @EBUFC1

    BRANTHAM ATHLETIC FCThis year has seen unprecedented times due to Covid-19. Football clubs up and down the country have faced huge challenges with restrictions on matches and opening the gate to supporters. Brantham Athletic FC has not escaped the uphill struggle that has now become the new normal. As most clubs have done, Brantham Athletic has implemented safety measures across the board, including the NHS Track and Trace system to allow this new normal and passion for football to continue.

    At the forefront of Brantham Athletic Football Club are the countless volunteers that have worked tirelessly through this adversity offering hope and a light at the end of the tunnel. This is helped by the fact that we are a local club supported by local people. We are also led at the top of the team by an extraordinary chairman, the one and only Mr Peter Crowhurst.

    Peter allows the team and club to grow and excel with freedom. Grassroots football leads the enthusiasm of all involved at the club. Young players continually come through from youth to the first teams. Currently, in the first team, we have the Lee brothers, Jack Madley, Tom Lawson and Tom Watkins, all successes from our youth teams. We also have our exceptionally talented Harry Clarke, contracted to Arsenal FC and now on loan to Oldham FC. Smiles all round!

    In conjunction with The KBB Centre, we end 2020 on a positive note with three luxury hampers and much more to be won in a December raffle. All ticket enquiries can be made through [email protected] or at our home matches in December. Check out our Facebook page for more details.

    Sponsorship is the key and the generosity of companies like The KBB Centre keep clubs like Brantham Athletic alive and kicking.

    BENTLEY CEVC AND COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOLS

    Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, certain events still go on. Halloween was a little different this year as we couldn’t have our usual Chicken Crew Disco to raise funds for the upkeep of the chickens. However, the PTAs at both schools organised a ‘Break the Uniform Rules’ day and raised some much-needed funds. Bentley PTA has very kindly used some of the income to buy the chickens some bedding.

    As winter descends upon us though, we need more bedding for the chooks. If you can donate any straw or hay, we would be so grateful to receive it at the school. We also dressed up for Children in Need, raising donations for this fabulous charity. Some of the costumes were hilarious. Hedgehogs class chose a lovely theme this year and dressed up as ‘Keyworker Heroes’.

    As in previous years, we will be collecting donations for West Villa, the charity that helps homeless families in Ipswich. If you can afford to buy an extra gift for a child or some dried or tinned goods, please drop it at either school and we will add it to our donations. Thank you.

    We would like to say a big thank you to Bentley Blooms Florist, based here in Bentley village, who are making and donating a very posh wreath to each school to be raffled off by the PTAs. Their creations are always beautiful, so if you would like to know more about buying raffle tickets, please do get in touch with one of the school offices.

    Finally, we are pleased to report that the recent virtual balloon race was a huge success and was even supported by people in the wider community, not just our families. It raised £105! Thank you.

    “Know that I am with you always,” Matthew 28:20

    Bentley CEVC Primary School: 01473 310253 / [email protected]

    Copdock Primary School: 01473 730337 / [email protected]

  • 14 In Touch online:

    SPORT / CHURCH NEWS

    DEDHAM AND ARDLEIGH PARISHESServices and Events for December & Christmas Sunday 6 December 9.30am Rise ’n’ Shine, Dedham11am Morning Prayer, Ardleigh5pm Compline, Dedham

    Sunday 13 December8am Holy Communion, Ardleigh11am Holy Communion, Dedham

    Friday 18 December6pm Carol Service, Dedham

    Saturday 19 December 6pm Carol Service, Dedham 6pm Carol Service, Ardleigh

    Sunday 20 December 8am Holy Communion, Ardleigh 11am Carol Service, Dedham 11am Carol Service, Ardleigh 3pm Sunday@3 via Zoom 6pm Drive-in Carols, Ardleigh Car Boot Site

    Christmas Eve 3.30pm Crib Service, Dedham 4pm Crib Service, Ardleigh 5.30pm Crib Service, Dedham 11pm Midnight Mass, Dedham 11pm Midnight Mass, Ardleigh

    Christmas Day 8am Holy Communion, Ardleigh 10am Family Communion Dedham

    Sunday 27 December 11am Benefice Service, Dedham

    www.youtube.com/channel/UC78SZfH5QRXMpy7DgfwYsIg

    Monday to Friday: Morning (9am) and Evening (5pm) Prayer

    Weekly Midweek Service 10.30am Morning Prayer every Tuesday at Dedham

    Saturday Morning Prayer Join us once a month for 9am prayer for our benefice and the wider community on the second Saturday (12 December) at Ardleigh or via Zoom.

    Men’s Breakfast Every other week; bring your own buttie! Saturday 5 and 19 December at 9am (Vicarage or Zoom)

    Ardleigh Friendship Group Every second and fourth Tuesday at 10am at Ardleigh Church. Please bring your own drink and food. We look forward to seeing you!

    Walk & Talk: Fellowship walk from Dedham Church at 10am on Thursday 10 December

    www.dedham-and-ardleigh-parishes.org.uk

    EAST BERGHOLT TENNIS CLUBWe are delighted to announce that East Bergholt Tennis Club is up and playing again on newly renovated court thanks to the backing of the village parish and sports councils.

    Our new head coach, Matthew Watson is providing a full programme of group coaching for children and adults plus one-to-one sessions when requested. Social tennis and cardio sessions are also available.

    To find more more visit our website, Facebook page or come along and join our members at club time on a Tuesday evening at 7.30pm or Sunday morning at 10am.

    LAWFORD FOOTBALL CLUBThe manager of the women’s team, Aaron Finch, writes:

    “We look set for an extremely positive season, having managed to retain the services of a strong core squad supplemented by quality recruits.

    “The confidence, team spirit and belief are strong, and I am extremely excited, proud and

    privileged to be working with this group. I firmly believe we should be challenging at the top of the table and securing another successful trophy campaign. Most importantly, we will continue to enjoy working together, being out there on that pitch and proud to be playing for the Lawford badge!”

    Also, many congratulations to the First Team for reaching the final of Essex & Suffolk Border League 2019/20 Knock-Out Cup. Having been postponed for several months because of Covid-19, Lawford finally met local rivals Dedham Old Boys in the semi-final. Macauley Watson’s goal on the half time whistle secured a victory for the lads. Manager Andy Young expressed his delight with the result in what he described as a “typical cup game”. Lawford will face Earls Colne in the forthcoming final.

    Elsewhere, the club is delighted to have been successful with two recent grant applications to the Football Foundation. A grant from the Pitch Preparation Fund will go towards paying for materials and services will help ensure that our pitches are match-fit, now that it is safe to play football again following government advice. The club has also been awarded a grant from the Foundation’s Club Preparation Fund to prepare to safely reopen in line with government guidance around hygiene and social distancing.

    Finally, at a Zoom ceremony hosted by the Essex Playing Fields Association last month, School Lane won the award for the Best Kept Football Pitch. This is a worthy accolade for the hard work of our grounds team. Congratulations and thank you for all that you do – well done for a much-deserved accolade.

    MISTLEY CRICKET CLUBCricket in the UK takes a break for now. Hopefully, next season will be much more like normal. In the meantime, work continues to keep the facilities in tip-top condition.

    October 2020 100 Club Winners 1: Amarjeet Mehmi (77) £140 2: Jack Jiggens (51) £60 3: Gavin Rose (91) £50

    The club runs three Saturday sides and two Sunday sides at men’s adult level. The First Eleven play in the Two Counties Division 1, the Second Team in Division 3 and the Third Team in either Division 8 or 9, depending on the final structure of the league.

    Anyone new to the area is welcome at New Road, either as a player or a spectator. For more information, please email [email protected] or visit: www.mistleycricketclub.org.uk

  • 15www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/eastbergholt

  • 16 In Touch online:

    CHURCH NEWS

    Rev Steph 01206 392646 / [email protected]

    Facebook: stmaryseastbergholt / St Michael’s Church, BranthamYou can also find us on: www.achurchnearyou.org

    RAMBLING RECTORBy the time you read this the excitement around the American election will mercifully have settled into pleasure or frustration (depending on who you were rooting for) and peaceful (please) resumption of normal life, whatever that is. Watching events unfold across the pond I have been reflecting on democracy.

    Our history teacher, Miss Meyer, used to become animated when extolling the virtues of the British system, almost as enthusiastically as that of ancient Greece. My conclusion: its strength or weakness depends very much on who is at the top. Voting in Putin’s Russia is a quite different thing from voting in the UK! The descent into accusations of corruption and thievery had pots and kettles dancing through my brain. Would it have been different if Trump had learned to play cricket instead of golf, I wonder?

    How do we make our decisions on who to vote for? The one who tells us what we want to hear, without any obvious way of delivering? The one who repeats the mantra loudest and longest until we believe it without any proof of its veracity? The one who has the nicest smile? The one who calls people we disagree with, nasty names? Or the one my family has always voted for?

    Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem to register. Imperial decrees do not allow for choice but when it came to responding to God’s messenger Gabriel, they chose to do what they believed to be right. Not the easy route, but the one full of unspeakable pain, great joy and mystery, with everlasting consequences for millions of people. May our choices this Christmas be wise.

    My prayer is that you, unexpectedly, may see his glory, and experience his presence and peace. For we believe and celebrate at Christmas (no matter what is going on around us), that “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the only begotten Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1: 14).

    If you need someone to talk to, shout at or cry with, please feel free to phone me. Please don’t go hungry. Help is available. Times are tough for everyone.

    Rev Steph

    MANNNGTREE FOODBANK CHRISTMAS DONATIONSPlease place your gifts of festive items (that will still be in date at Christmas!) in the church porch by Sunday 6 December. They will be collected on December 7.

    Booking is essential for Midnight Mass and Christmas Day services. To avoid disappointment, contact Rev Steph by December 23 to book.

    Midnight Mass is at 11.30pm in St Mary’s, East Bergholt, and Christmas Day Communion is at 9.30am at St Michael’s, Brantham.

    Our Carol Services are on YouTube only so there’s no need to book! The Christmas Eve Family Services in East Bergholt have been replaced, Covid restrictions permitting, by the Christmas Parade through East Bergholt, and the Brantham Christingle Service has been filmed to be viewed on Constable Country Churches YouTube channel at your convenience.

    DECEMBER 2020This schedule is dependent on government guidelines at the time. If all else fails, our services can be found on YouTube. Find Constable Country Churches under the video tab. Booking is essential for all services at St Michael’s.

    Wednesday 2: 9.30am BCP Communion, YouTube

    Sunday 6: Advent 2 10.30am Benefice Communion with readings and prayers led by the Mother’s Union and marking the retirement of Chris Jacob as Branch Leader after many years of faithful service (EB)4pm Family@Church (EB)

    Friday 11: Decorations to go up in EB Churchyard

    Sunday 13: Advent 3 10.30am Informal Service at St Michael’s (B)

    Thursday 17: 6.30pm: Carols by Candlelight, YouTube (filmed earlier at St Michael’s, B)

    Sunday 20: Advent 4 10.30am Benefice Communion Service at St Mary’s, EB3pm Carols by Candlelight, YouTube (filmed earlier at St Mary’s, EB)

    Thursday 24: Christmas Eve8am BCP Communion in the Chancel (EB)3pm Crib Service with Christingle, YouTube (filmed earlier at B)3.30pm EB Christmas Parade starting in Gandish Road heading to B1070 and Eley’s Corner and ending at Chaplin Road/Heath Road junction (depending on lockdown restrictions at the time)11.30pm Benefice Midnight Mass (EB) Booking is essential for this service. Please contact Rev Steph by Tuesday 23 to avoid disappointment.

    Friday 25: Christmas Day9.30am Benefice Christmas Day Communion (B) Booking is essential for this service. Please contact Rev Steph by Tuesday 23 to avoid disappointment.

    Sunday 27: Christmas 110.30am Benefice BCP Communion Service (EB)

    Check the website and Facebook for details and updates.

    BENEFICE OF EAST BERGHOLT & BRANTHAM

    FIND THE DONKEYA bit of fun for all the young at heart! No real donkeys were inconvenienced for this event. Please leave the donkeys where you find them!

    We are grateful to Mrs Spencer, Leader of Art, and the Design and Technology Department at East Bergholt High School for their help with this project. From mid-December, 15 wooden

    donkeys will have taken up residence around the village. Each will have a name. The first person to contact me with the name of each donkey and where it is grazing will receive a virtual mince pie, a thistle, a special mention in the magazine, a certificate, everlasting fame… or something!

    Please note, they will not be hiding on private property.

    Rev Steph: [email protected] / 01206 392646

  • 17www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/eastbergholt

    CHURCH NEWS

    CHRISTMAS IS NOT CANCELLEDWriting 45 days before Christmas we have little idea what the restrictions will be on families and churches as we celebrate Christmas. Hopefully, this four-week lockdown will allow for some relaxation and as I write, there is optimism that a vaccine may be available. But let me affirm, Christmas is certainly NOT cancelled! We can give and receive presents, we can join online services, we can use great technology to contact one another. We are working on great ideas to offer both physical and online resources, details of which will follow. Do feel free to contact me.

    The Methodist Church nationally is launching a Christmas campaign, not to get more people in church or tuning into online services, but celebrating one of our church’s core phrases, “God is with Us”.

    It’s part of the DNA of the Methodist Church. As he was dying in 1788 our founder John Wesley said, “The best of all is God is with us”.

    During these nine months of Covid-19 restrictions, many people have felt down. Yet this Christmas, on social media platforms and our websites, stories will be told of how even in these difficulties and isolation for many, they have known “God is with us”. Nothing to do with being at church or being especially religious, but just knowing God is with us in the ordinariness of daily life. God is with us in life even if we don’t recognise he is there, or even when we are not sure he exists. For many years I was oblivious to his presence in my life, and it was only after coming to faith, I recognised he was with me when I didn’t even believe in him.

    Two thousand years ago a teenage girl had a baby. She spent nine months of anxious waiting, not sure if her partner would reject her. One of the names the dad was told to give the baby was Emmanuel, which in English means “God with us”. For this child is the very Son of God. Mary and Joseph knew they had a baby, and a special baby too, but he was a baby, with nappy changes, crying, teething, growing up.

    They didn’t always recognise that “God was with them” when he was a child and totally dependent on them. They would have gone through all the joys and angst of being parents that we go through, including losing their 12-year-old boy in the City of Jerusalem for two or three days.

    If Joseph and Mary found it hard to believe that God was with them, how much more for us today? I want to affirm that if you have got this far in reading this article, “God is with you”. You may not know it, you may even react negatively to the thought, but I know God loves you and is with you. In these dark difficult days of isolation, I want to say God is with you.

    My prayer is that your eyes would be opened that you may know it is true for yourself. If you want to tell me about your anger or your joy at this thought, please get in touch. If you want to hear or read the stories, I’ll make sure there is a link on our church website by December 1 when this goes live.

    May you have a peaceful, joyful Christmas even if it is quiet and may you know

    “God is with you”.

    Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel Methodist Church

    8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG [email protected] / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216

    Live streaming of services every Sunday 10.15 for 10.30am start at: www.capelmethodistchurch.org.uk (available 24/7)

    DECEMBER SERVICES Sunday 6 Rev Andrew SankeySunday 13 Church members Sunday 20 A Nativity Theme Friday 25 A Christian Day Celebration with Andrew Sankey Sunday 27 Ben HorrexIf permitted, we will open the church from 9.30-10am (please check the website for confirmation).

    LINK LINE CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES Un-denominational; meeting (when restrictions are lifted) at the Ogilvie Hall, Wignall Street, Lawford CO1 2JG and at the Venture Centre, Bromley Road CO1 2JE

    01206 272064 / [email protected]

    Dear Readers,

    Christmas is just around the corner and for most if not all of us this will prove to be a particularly challenging time. On behalf of all at Link Line Christian Ministries I bring our warm and sincere season’s greetings to you all. Let us all pray for an early and speedy return to normality and restoration of all that we have sadly missed as a result of the prevailing restrictions as we bravely look ahead to a new year of opportunity and progression. I wonder if you, like myself, can recall our school days when those familiar words came forth from many of our teachers in no uncertain manner – “sit up and face the front”. We can no doubt smile at that, but in reality, those words reflected the heartfelt desire on the part of the teacher to ensure that what we were learning would be our “foundation stones” in the course of our lives.

    Turning to the Bible, I find great words of comfort and assurance from words of the Lord Jesus that are found in John’s Gospel Ch. 16 v 33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”.

    When you get a moment, take your Bible (or seek to get one) and read the preceding verses. They will serve to encourage you or even challenge you to become aware of the profound love that comes from the heart of a loving and forgiving God. Believe me – I know it is true – I speak with Him every day. He has never failed me.

    May these words be a comfort to you all as Christmas approaches. He “holds us in the palm of His hands”. He loves us with an everlasting love. He paid the price of our sins on the Cross at Calvary. He is coming again. Let us all take heart, and in these difficult times resolve to “give Him some space”. Believe me; the benefits and blessings are immeasurable.

    May God bless you all, Pastor Frank King

    Where Jesus is Love ad Love is Jesus. John 3:16

    For God so loved the world he gave his only son. That if we believed in him he gives us life. Matthew 11:28-30

    Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.

    If you need to talk to someone about any needs, please contact us and we will do all we can to help.

    Sunday Service: 11am-12.30pm

    The Venture Centre 2000, Bromley Road, Lawford CO11 2JE

    Contact David: 07787 572977 / [email protected]

    www.keytoloveministries.com

    KEY TO LOVE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

  • 18 In Touch online:

    CHURCH NEWS

    Parish Priest: Fr Paul Vincent OCDAssistant Priest: Fr Bineesh Elenjikkal OCD180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963

    www.stmarksparish.org.uk

    Services planned for December 2020

    Tuesday 1 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration10am Mass

    Sunday 6 2nd Sunday of Advent9am Mass

    Tuesday 8: The Immaculate Conception of The Blessed Virgin Mary9.20am Eucharistic Adoration10am Mass

    Sunday 13 3rd Sunday of Advent9am Mass

    Tuesday 159.20am Eucharistic Adoration10am Mass

    Sunday 20 4th Sunday of Advent9am Mass

    Tuesday 229.20am Eucharistic Adoration10am Mass

    For Mass times on December 24 and 25 please read the weekly newsletter or visit the parish website.

    Thursday 24 The Nativity of The Lord

    Friday 25 Christmas Day

    Sunday 27: The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph9am Mass

    Tuesday 299.20am Eucharistic Adoration10am Mass

    The weekly newsletter, with Mass times, is always displayed in the cabinet alongside the front door and the latest parish news may be read on the regularly updated website: www.stmarksparish.org.uk.

    Catholic CommentaryWith the further widespread restrictions on people’s activities announced, we cannot be sure we will be able to attend church in the same way as before. However, we hope very much that Christmas and New Year Services will be possible, albeit with limited numbers and the

    social distancing we have become used to. Inevitably, it seems Christmas will not be the same whether we attend church or not. We all hope for a cure and that some good will come about as the world recovers.

    There are three special Feasts of the Lord in the Christmas period; the Nativity, the Epiphany and the Baptism. In the West, we greatly emphasise the Nativity, but Eastern Christians tend to strike a balance between all three. There would be no celebration of the Nativity at all had there not been the later passion, death and resurrection of the Lord, the story of Easter, as there would be no reason to look back to the birth of Jesus.

    In October Pope Francis made a fourth visit to Assisi to launch his third Encyclical Fratelli Tutti (Brothers and Sisters All) on fraternity and social friendship, a beautiful document diagnosing where we are getting it wrong and pointing the way to a better way of living for the good of all, but especially the poor, and for the earth itself.

    Mass, Morning and Evening Prayer, Devotions and other spiritual resources may be accessed over the internet. A full daily programme is provided by the clergy and staff from the Norfolk Shrine of Our Lady via walsingham.org.uk or via churchservices.tv. St Mark’s Saturday Vigil Mass is recorded and may be viewed at: http://youtu.be/EBwX1voc90c

    Events & Diary DatesThe 100 Club draw took place at the hone of Graeme Forsyth on Sunday 22 November and was witnessed on FaceTime by a member of the congregation. Three lucky winners shared a £165 prize pot. The next draw takes place on Sunday 20 December.

    The club, set up to support the life and mission of our parish, has grown from strength to strength since its launch. New members are always very welcome and the newsletter, that includes an application form, can be found at the rear of the church or at: www.stmarksparish.org.uk

    The popular bring and buy coffee mornings that take place at Viv and Wyn’s home are cancelled for the foreseeable future.

    The Sick and HomeboundFr Bineesh Elanjikkal is the Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital, assisted by Deacon Clive Brooks. Please be aware that for reasons of patient confidentiality, the NHS will not inform the chaplains of any Catholics admitted to hospital. Unless you or your relatives inform the chaplain, you will not be visited by a priest or any other member of the chaplaincy team.

    Please let Fr Paul Vincent know of anyone who is ill at home or housebound, so that they may receive appropriate pastoral care. Both Fr Paul and Fr Bineesh can be contacted on 01206 684963.

    Supporting our Local HospiceAll Parishioners are asked to collect used postage stamps, all year, not just at Christmas and place them in the box at the rear of the church to help support the outstanding work of our local hospice.

    HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHIpswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB

  • 19www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/eastbergholt

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