Hadleigh Community News, April 2023

Save St. Mary’s - The Past is Our Future

How do you keep our many cold and deteriorating churches alive and relevant to everyday living? Several easy options spring to mind; ignore the spiritual implications and change their use to suit small businesses or allow them to be converted into quirky accommodation for those with sufficient funds to make the changes. However, there is another way which would keep both religious and non-religious citizens happy. Turn back the clock and return the church to a multi-purpose community hub with a place for worship too.

There are several churches that have successfully reverted to this historical use of their building; St Mary’s in Ely being one

Recently, I was fortunate enough to visit and tour this church with one of its members who was instrumental in seeing their vision come to fruition. Of course, they have taken advantage of the very latest technology and building materials to effect the change. Under floor heating and radiators economically powered by air source heat pumps ensure that the cavernous space is comfortably warm at all times without breaking the bank in the process. The pews have been replaced by upright chairs giving greater seating flexibility for worship or social events and happenings. Kitchen facilities can provide light beverages or full meals as appropriate.

As a lapsed Methodist, living in Hadleigh, why would I be interested in the future of any historical church? Readers familiar with Hadleigh will know that their St Mary’s is an iconic landmark in the middle of the town. For hundreds of years it has served the local population as place of worship and provided an enormous space capable of hosting any community activities or gatherings requiring plenty of room.

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We warmly welcome all your contributions of articles, letters, sports reports, events and photographs, just email or send to the address below and it will appear in the next issue. Deadline for copy is the 18th of each and every month

Our contact details:

Editor: Kelvin Avis 01473 823366 kelvin@keithavis.co.uk

To place an advert: Matt Barber 01473 823366 Mobile: 07799 313838 matt@keithavis.co.uk

www.hadleighcommunitynews.co.uk

Moving home in 2023?

What’s the risk of your transaction falling-through?

It is probably more likely than you think but your choice of conveyancer can make all the difference.

Give yourself the best chance of a successful completion on your home purchase or sale by working in partnership with Holmes & Hills Solicitors. Benefit from our successful completion rate that is 22% higher than the national average reported by Rightmove1

What number of property transactions fall-through? Rightmove report that, on average across the country, approximately 30% of property transactions fall-through2. It is a much higher percentage than most buyers and sellers expect it to be.

Reduce the risk of your transaction falling-through Those using Holmes & Hills Solicitors' conveyancing services benefit from a 22% higher successful completion rate compared to the national average. This means your transaction has an increased chance of successfully completing when Holmes & Hills is advising and representing you in your property transaction. Why do property transactions fall-through? Your transaction might fallthrough for a number of reasons, including your buyer finding another property; a surveyor identifying issues with the property; or a buyer’s solicitor identifying issues surrounding matters such as rights of way, covenants, lease terms, easements, overage, options or boundary issues.

Why is Holmes & Hills’ successful completion rate 22% higher? Holmes & Hills has a large team of 22 property lawyers dealing with second-hand, new-build and shared ownership property across the country. The size of the team means there is unlikely to be an issue the team hasn’t seen and resolved before. Proactively identifying and resolving problems means we can keep your transaction on course, reducing the risk of your property transaction falling through and securing you a successful completion.

Benefit from fixed fee packages

As well as an increased chance of your transaction successfully completing, Holmes & Hills provides fixed-fee residential conveyancing quotes with no hidden charges. When you obtain conveyancing quotations from other law firms you may find charges for completing Stamp Duty Land Tax forms, dealing with lenders and leasehold fees. With Holmes & Hills, these items are included within our legal fee. We give you a simple, transparent, fixed-fee quotation.

Partner with Holmes & Hills to secure your transaction By working in partnership with our clients, local estate agents, mortgage brokers, and financial advisors, Holmes & Hills' residential property lawyers will ensure a smooth transaction, whilst protecting your legal interests.

Call Holmes & Hills Solicitors on 01787 275275 and ask to speak to Paige Hornabrook or email advice@holmes-hills.co.uk.

1Holmes & Hills' successful completion rate is calculated using sample data for 526 residential property transactions started between July 2022 to September 2022 and is compared to the national average successful completion rate of 70.3% (provided by Rightmove, 13/02/2023).

2Rightmove data supplied on 13/02/2023.

Hadleigh Bowls Club Bowls Bash Coming to Hadleigh soon

Bowls England governing body of Lawn bowls in England are introducing a shorter, quicker, more relaxed version of bowls to appeal to all age groups with less formality called Bowls Bash. Over the weekend of April 29th/30th starting at 11.00am Hadleigh Bowling Club will be holding our Open Days to include a number of sessions to demonstrate the new format and for everyone to have a go, There will also be the opportunity to try the more traditional version too with qualified coaches and experienced bowlers in attendance for guidance. Feel free to pop along, all that is required of you is flat soled footwear and boundless enthusiasm!!

We are located in Stone Street, close to the entrance to Supreme Pet Foods.

SUPPER CLUB

Every Monday 5pm - 9pm

Two courses for an amazing price

Call us for more information

EASTER WEEKEND

GOOD FRIDAY

Come and join us for the launch of our Pizza Oven

From 3pm, a free slice of pizza for every customer (subject to availability). Music from 7pm with Bear Witch Project.

EASTER SATURDAY

Let’s Party –Pizza, Food & Drink

EASTER SUNDAY

Join us for a roast (booking advisable)

EASTER MONDAY

Pizza oven open from 1pm Music from 3pm with Words & Music

Rita Hoyle

20th November 1967 to 1st November 2022

Last year my wonderful wife, friend and Sam’s and Ben’s mother tragically passed away after a 4-year battle with cancer. The funeral at St Mary’s Church was an overwhelming tribute to Rita attended by the family, ex work colleagues from Lloyds Bank and Hadleigh Community Primary school and friends in abundance.

Rita’s tribute page https://ritahoyle.muchloved.com has been blessed with £3,971.25 in donations and Val Gladwell completed a triathlon last September raising a further £815. These funds have gone to the Chemotherapy Day Unit at the Woolverstone Macmillan Centre at Ipswich Hospital.

Many of you know that Rita was partial to the occasional clothes spending foray at Kitty & Em’s.

As the nurses said when I visited the Day Unit, “Rita was always so well turned out…” and indeed she was for each of her 82 chemotherapy sessions always so wonderfully cared for by the staff in the Unit.

So, Kate and Em plan to open on Sunday 11th June to raise funds for Rita’s chosen charity – The Day Unit. The day will comprise of:

New season stock – a percentage of profits to be donated

A pre-loved rail – all sales will be donated

Complimentary Teas and Coffees

We plan to offer vouchers for ice-creams from Huffers and sweets from Sweet Memories. A raffle is being organised and tickets will be available from May onwards from Kitty & Em, Sweet Memories and me. Prizes will be varied and as high end as we can organise – details to follow.

Please do come and pop in and spend! Rita loved the clothes there: such colours and styles that suited her perfectly.

There will be a further information in May’s Edition but in the meantime, we would welcome any offers of help and of course donations: funds on Rita’s tribute page and look at Events and raffle prizes please.

David Hoyle, Husband to an inspirational woman and wife. 07596 740278

Details also available here: www.facebook.com/KittyandEm/ www.kittyem.net/

Stour Valley U3A

Make the most of life once you’re no longer in full time work and come and explore new ideas, interests and skills. Across the country U3A members are learning, staying active, meeting new people and having fun later in life. It’s local, social, friendly, low cost and open to all. We have over 40 interest groups including walking - from strollers to 5+ milers - theatre, garden visits, art appreciation, curry club, science group, keep fit, pickleball...there’s something for everyone. Monthly coffee mornings are held on the first Friday of the month 10am –12pm at the Lambe School, East Bergholt. Our monthly lectures are held on the second Wednesday at 2pm in the Constable Hall, East Bergholt. Guests are welcome for a charge of £4. On 12th April we have Mark Carroll talking on “DNA and Family History”, on 10th May Paula Short will tell us about her travels in Vietnam and on 14th June there will be a talk on the Commonwealth War Graves.

Please take a look at our website www.u3asites.org.uk/stourvalley for more information and contact details

COFFEES SERVED FROM 10AM

Family Friendly • Well behaved dogs welcomed 01473 805794

90 High Street Hadleigh, Ipswich IP7 5EF

Kings Head Hadleigh@kingsheadhadleigh

...Continued from front page

Save St

Mary’s

- The Past Is Our Future

During the pandemic it was the only place in the town large enough to accommodate the vaccine clinics. Ukrainian families have been able to come together to socialise and learn English while their children enjoy the freedom of a large space to play games.

There have been pop up cafés offering free refreshments and a chance to meet others. Sadly, some of these activities continued in extreme cold while others had to be put on hold because of it. Apart from the obvious heating problems, the floor and kitchen facilities badly need attention to name just a few. If the town is going to retain the use of the building for worship and community use and not let it fall into disrepair then very serious consideration must be given to raising enough money to effect it rejuvenation. This is a vital project in which the entire community must be involved to ensure success and, ultimately, secure its future. So if you have fund raising, marketing, publicity or project management skills or even funds, surplus to requirements, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact Jan Devey save.stmarys@btinternet.com

01473 827091

Event postponed – but we will be back in September!

The fashion show planned for Saturday April 29th a collaboration between Style Magiks and Hadleigh Community Choir, has been postponed but will take place in the Autumn. Apologies if you have this date in your diary, but what with Easter, The Coronation and two Bank Holidays, we reckon there will be plenty to do in the Spring, so a new date will give you something to look forward to after the Summer holidays are over! And if by any chances you didn’t have this date in your diary, then watch this space for further details…

Country Threads prepares for Easter

Thoughts of Easter come early to the Country Thread group so that they have plenty of seasonal gifts ready for those special April days. They combine their creative talents and skills to produce enough appropriate items to stock the busy Elizabeth Hospice Shop on the Foxhall Road, Ipswich. It’s not only the unique merchandise that attracts the customers but also the enticing smell of coffee and refreshments from their in-house tea room. This formula has been a huge success so plenty of gift items will be needed to keep up with demand. Group leader, Mavis Gordon, is confident that they will rise to the challenge as they have already completed plenty of novel ideas for that popular outlet. A retro toy wheel barrow has been dusted down and will provide an eye catching display for their Easter eggs and bunnies.

This friendly group, which meets at 7pm every Wednesday in the Hadleigh URC room, always welcomes newcomers whatever their level of craft ability. For further information about Country Threads please contact Mavis Gordon mavis.gordon@mypostoffice.co.uk.

For details of the shop’s opening hours visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/support-us/support-us/visit-ourshops/shop-details-and-locations/

Hadleigh Community Primary School

What is Eco-Yoga?

It's definitely not quiet, boring, or humdrum, but full of movement, imagination, and laughs!

It incorporates an eco-related topic such as the importance of clean oceans, less plastic use, habitat diversity and so much more, with yoga poses, meditation, and visualisation. Singing, dancing, storytelling, and crafts are shared and explored. This foundation supports an interest and respect for the world around us, one another, as well as our beautiful, unique selves. Our awesomeness is free flowing, adaptable and non-competitive, where children are really encouraged to share their ideas/ questions, which makes learning and life fun! In its 4th year, the lunchtime HCPS Eco-Yoga Club is going strong. We always take our yoga to the "Peace Garden"; sometimes even practising " Pond Yoga" or "Litter Picking Yoga".

Recently, a most wonderful grant for 10 yoga mats was gifted by the Anne Beaumont Trust...a huge thank you! So, no more mud yoga...nothing against our very important soil of course! Eco-Yoga...respecting the gifts of our planet and celebrating the gift of ourselves.

Music On Monday 6th of March, our choir visited Snape Maltings Concert Hall to perform in their 'Celebration of Schools Music' concert. Directed by Mrs Rankin, the group performed a medley of three songs arranged by Mr Betts: 'Rise Up' by Andra Day, 'Try Everything' by Shakira and 'Good Job' by Alicia Keys. The songs were chosen because they represent our school stars and planets.

UNION JACK THEMED ITEMS

EASTER FUN

The choir thoroughly enjoyed the experience of performing their piece at the beautiful venue, as well as being part of the debut of a brand new piece which was written specifically for the concert. The piece was called 'Me' and was written by the award winning composer Charlotte Harding. They performed the piece as the concert's finale alongside musicians from Alde Valley Academy, The Ashley School, Holbrook Primary School, Thomas Mills High School, Thurston Primary School and Worlingworth CEVC Primary School. If you would like to listen to our performance, you can find it under 'Listen To Us' under the music curriculum pages on our website.

HSA It has been a busy time for the HSA at HCPS! Having had a very busy December with our Christmas Hampers and Christmas Market stall, our volunteers took a little breather at the beginning of January. We were soon busy again though, looking forward to our Spring fundraisers. Gifts needed to be purchased for our popular Mother’s Day Gift Event, treats needed to be selected for our Skip into Spring fun day, and arrangements needed to be made for our School Disco. We were also delighted to be able to offer free books to all our children for World Book Day, so our volunteers were busy collecting and sorting the books. If you would like to get involved with the HSA please email us on HSA@hadcps.uk. We would love to hear from you!

Could the Brett be Bretter

You may remember the headline from our April 2022 article read “Our River is in Safe Hands”. Well, a year later and with so much press around poor river health, HEAT is delighted to share its current findings and thoughts. In the last year through a group of committed volunteers and funding from our local council, 30 samples have been taken from 5 points in the Brett. The samples have been analysed for river fly invertebrate life and then scored using a recognised Environment Agency (EA) method. The Brett is averaging a score of 6-7 out of a maximum of 18. This is not fantastic but equally not a disaster, with the Stour further downstream only scoring between 2-3. The fact that the EA recognise this method, allowed HEAT to request an investigation at Chelsworth last summer.

The sampling team have also taken on measuring temperature, PH, Dissolved Oxygen, Conductivity, Nitrates and E.Coli to build up a baseline of data. HEAT is also very proud that they secured a 7x24 monitoring EA Sonde device along the River Walk, that measures a comprehensive set of river parameters with the data being publicly available. Last summer HEAT rolled up their sleeves to do some “heavy lifting” with significant removal of Himalayan Balsam, that if left, would destabilise the river banks. Also in the autumn, piles and piles of duck weed that reduces flow, oxygen levels and holds excess nutrients in the river were removed.

HEAT has continued to progress its objectives to work and learn with other entities such as other voluntary groups, Babergh (Reclaim the Rain project), Essex and Suffolk River Trust, EA, Town Council, Affinity and Anglia Water. In Feb HEAT had an extremely interesting visit to Hadleigh Sewage Treatment plant, gaining valuable insights, allowing appreciation that there are two sides to every story. River health is clearly an emotive topic nationally and locally so HEAT will be hosting a presentation and discussion on April 27th at 7.30pm at the Baptist Church on George Street, Hadleigh. Above topics will be presented in more depth and all are welcome to listen, discuss, or put your hand up for some volunteering.

For more informat ion visit our website www.hadleighheat.org or contact hadleigh.heat@hotmail.com

Mayor’s Award

The Annual Mayor’s Award recognises individuals and community groups of Hadleigh who have made an outstanding contribution to the community in the last year.

Do you know someone that has gone above and beyond for our Community?

Do you know a voluntary group that has helped the Community? Nominations must be received by Friday 12th May 2023. Please email townclerk@hadleightowncouncil.gov.uk or write to Town Clerk, Hadleigh Town Council, Market Place, Hadleigh, IP7 5DN with the name and address of your nominated person and the reason you are nominating them. The award will be presented at the Annual Town Meeting held on Monday 22nd May 2023.

Planning and enjoying your

Pensions can appear mystifying, but they are just a savings account like any other, with a couple of special features.

In most circumstances HMRC will make a contribution to your savings every time you do. This is even true if you are self-employed (subject to certain conditions).

My top tips for this month

Before retiring: Pensions can be one of the most tax-efficient and flexible ways to save. To maximise their benefits annual reviews with a qualified Financial Adviser are essential.

At retirement: You will have multiple options available to you, and making the wrong decision could be detrimental to your future financial security. It is vital you engage with an expert at this stage to ensure you fully understand the impact of your choices.

Post-retirement: Did you know you could boost your wealth by maintaining a pension? If you are in a position to be able continue to pay into the account, you may be able to access advantageous tax breaks.

Contributions could qualify for income tax relief. In addition, the fund may be exempt from inheritance tax, and could grow without capital gains tax.

If you would like guidance through the retirement minefield call us. We are here to make a difference to your future.

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested.

The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time. Tax relief is dependent on individual circumstances.

Joel Runnels-Moss DipFA Director

07852 374908 01473 824986

Joel.Toucan@SJPP.co.uk

SJP Approved 16/03/2023

LegalComfort SOLICITORS

❖ Residential Conveyancing

❖ Commercial Conveyancing

❖ Landlord & Tenant dispute

❖ Matrimonial dispute

❖ Business and Employment Advice

❖ Compromise Agreements

❖ Powers of Attorney

❖ Civil Litigation

❖ Immigration advice

❖ Defamation

Legal Comfort Solicitors

❖ Divorce Law

❖ Employment Litigation

❖ Family, Children and Divorce cases

❖ Estate, Wills and Probate

❖ Mediation

❖ Home / Commercial Visits

❖ We have access to our own panel of Barristers

❖ Legal representation in Tribunal / Court

You may contact our Hadleigh office for an initial appointment and legal support

59 High Street, Hadleigh, Ipswich, Suffolk IP7 5DY

Tel: 01473 552876

E: info@legalcomfort.co.uk

We understand that approaching a Solicitor can be a worrying and costly experience. Here at Legal Comfort Solicitors we are extremely proud of our exceptional customer service. We believe that our clients should always receive a level of service that allows them to feel truly comfortable to fully explain their legal needs. We work with our clients during their difficult times providing a processional and first class service while advising our clients on how they can keep the cost at a minimum.

We understand that our customers work overwhelmingly hard and being able to attend a traditional ‘9 to 5’ appointment can be a struggle, so we take great pride in being able to offer our clients specialised out of hours service where required; including weekends.

During our time here in Hadleigh, we can say without question that we have thoroughly enjoyed working with the local community, and really have appreciated the generous feedback its customers have provided; which we’ve actively used to improve our service.

We are highly rated law firm dealing with the following areas:

•Civil, Commercial and Criminal Litigation

•Defamation and Immigration

•Employment and Settlement Agreements

•Family, Children and Divorce Cases

•Personal Injury & Workplace Accident

•Property Sale and Purchase

•Wills and Probate

You may contact our Hadleigh office for an initial appointment and legal support.

Hadleigh Office 01473 552876 Head Office Colchester 01206 570943 Branches on the High Streets of Hadleigh, Colchester, Braintree and London.

The Gareth Meredith Memorial Walk

Alan and Beryl Meredith invite you to join them on the Gareth Meredith Memorial Walk in memory of their late son who loved walking. The 5½ mile walk will start at Boxford Health Centre and end at its counterpart in Hadleigh. There is no signing up or joining fee but it is hoped that walkers will make a donation to the Hadleigh and Boxford Health Centre Charitable Trust instead. The collection is to show the family’s appreciation for the care and support the Practice gave Gareth during his many years of ill health.

It is important to emphasise that this is not a competitive event but rather an opportunity to remember Gareth and or just enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the beautiful countryside between Boxford and Hadleigh. Families and well behaved dogs (on the lead) are most welcome. The route will be clearly marked. Walkers will be expected to make their own way to the Boxford Health Centre where parking is limited. Participants walk at their own risk and will be expected to respect the countryside along the way. Comfort facilities will be available at the Hadleigh Health Centre.

If you have any queries about the walk please contact Alan Meredith 01473 822 433 or alan.k.meredith@btinternet.com

Hadleigh Old School Art for your home & garden

Hadleigh Old School, the events venue at 5 Bridge Street, Hadleigh IP7 6BY, presents three forms of decorative objects: garden sculpture, watercolour paintings and homewares across two weekends this April. Entry to the exhibition is free including the opening Preview night at 7pm Friday 14 April 2023, and continuing Sat 15 (10-5) Sun 16 (11-4), Sat 22 (10-5) Sun 23 (11-4).

Rain E Days is the name of garden sculptor Peter Day. Peter’s medium is predominantly steel, and he also uses natural stone and wood to enhance the pieces, with works fashioned from materials new, reclaimed and recycled. He will be creating a sculpture trail throughout the grounds of Hadleigh Old School, with two dozen works displayed in the walled garden and in the wilderness. A graceful metallic form could enhance your garden and give it a contemporary feeling – some titles may convey the spirit of the artworks: ‘Harmony’, Cherish’ and ‘Allium’. Leslie King is a Hadleigh artist working in watercolour. The framed pictures are characterised by what may initially seem like abstract groups of boldly coloured blocks and dashes, on reflection they may appear to be impressions of places and moments. Leslie explains “I hope to convey a love of nature, hope and our emotional world”. 20 works will be displayed in our rear gallery space overlooking the garden, including both small and medium-sized pictures, ideal for your wall space. The work “Dream of Spring” is illustrated in our advertisement.

Msika Home bring their international fabric brand to our main hall. They specialise in sourcing beautiful handmade textiles created via traditional methods, with a classic yet contemporary design, for example inspired by travel along the ‘Silk Road’. Our event will feature framed textiles as well as unmounted works – so presenting you with options to enhance existing furniture or hang straight on your walls. Cultural influences range from that of Uzbekistan to Turkey, and Mexico to Ghana, always with a bold use of colour. Please email hadleigholdschool@gmail.com with any queries

Hadleigh Healing Society

We are all being made aware by reports on the TV news of rising prices for food, heating, rent and mortgages which is a worrying concern for many. The devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria and the continuing conflict in the Ukraine. There is not much good news around to cheer us. If you are finding it difficult to deal with and need someone to listen to your concerns our qualified, registered healers are there for you. Do not bottle up those worries, please allow us to listen to you. Please telephone (answer machine) 01473 823282 or log onto www.hadleighhealingsociety.org or visit Hadleigh Healing Society Facebook page for an appointment.

We are holding one of our popular Clairvoyant Days on Saturday, 27th May between 10am-4pm.

There will be two mediums who can give a private reading for £15. If you would like an appointment please book early to avoid disappointment. Telephone giving your name and telephone number clearly and we will get back to you.

ART FOR THE HOME & GARDEN Sculpture, Paintings & Textiles

Friday 14th April from 7pm

Saturday 15th & 22nd 10am-5pm

Sunday 16th & 23rd 11am-4pm

Hadleigh Old School, 3-5 Bridge Street, Hadleigh, Suffolk IP7 6BY

The Cock Inn, Hadleigh

Well folks spring is definitely in the air even though we saw a flurry of snow during mid-March. Time to start looking at that garden and planning the planting. We will certainly do so. Regulars will know that we have a larger garden nowadays with an additional seating are and lots of new furniture. Please feel free to use the cushions that are stored in the boxes. Its far more comfy!

Did you know that we hold a monthly quiz night? It’s the second Tuesday of the month so why not come along, alone or with a team and join in. Its great fun and there are prizes too. While its only once a month we are interested to know whether we should run the quiz bi weekly? Let us know what you think. Some pubs run their quiz weekly, so we are eager to understand your thoughts.

April is a good month for sport fans even though we have said goodbye to Six Nations Rugby. Not a great campaign for England or Wales. Congratulations to Ireland on winning through on the final day. The Rugby World Cup later this year will be an exciting one and I don’t think past results will predict the outcome.

Although the Chinese F1 Grand Prix has been cancelled this year you can still see the Australian race here on Sunday 2nd April and the Azerbaijan race on Sunday the 30th. The MotoGP returns in too with the GP in Argentina on the 2nd, The Americas on the 16th and the Spanish GP on the 30th. All Sundays.

Remember the England ladies won the Euros football? Well, they will play in the Finalissima at Wembley on Thursday 6th April, taking on Brazil, the 2022 CONMEBOL winners, at Wembley. KO is at 7.45pm, so let’s cheer on the ladies once again. The Premier League is at boiling point with Arsenal still out in front despite being knocked out of the Europa League. Do they have enough gas to hold off Man City? It’s even hotter at the bottom where any of 13 teams could get relegated. Some deciding fixtures in April with Arsenal and Man City facing off on the 26th and Arsenal v Chelsea on the 29th. There are two FA Cup semi finals too, both to be played on the 22nd and 23rd April. Did you know you can watch all Cup, Premier, Champions and Europa League matches live at The Cock. We have three separate TV boxes and are able to show three different events at the same time. We have a giant screen too for those special games.

While march hosted the Cheltenham Festival, April will host the Grand National at Aintree on the 15th. Remember too that it’s at 5.15pm this year. Noble Yeats is the favourite at the moment with Any Second Now close too. My money is on Fiddlerontheroof, but I not got a clue, but the name sounds good.

There is rugby union too with the ladies Six nations taking place through April and if you like snooker you can watch the World Championships live from Sheffield from the 15th April through to the 1st may.

Finally, if you are into golf, The Masters takes place from 6th to the 9th April in Augusta. Tickets are priced at between $375 and $450 for the four days (face value) and if you enter the lottery to buy a ticket you have a 0.55% chance of succeeding! Better to watch it on the TV say I. Music lovers have a few events this month. Don’t miss The Blaggers on Saturday 15th at 8.45pm. These guys are super and play lots of your favourites from The Beatles, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, ELO, Monkees and more. On Sunday the 23rd we welcome the ever so popular 3 Steps to Heaven with the fun starting at 3pm. On Sunday 30th you can see and hear the wonderful Rob Lewis. If you not seen Rob before then don’t miss this one. Starting at 3pm through till 6pm.

Busk along with us on Tuesday 4th (Buskers Night) and why not come along to our monthly Open Mic night on the 18th. Buskers is every 1st Tuesday and Open Mic every 3rd Tuesday. Our Quiz night is every 2nd Tuesday. All start at 8pm

The Cock Inn, 89 George Street, Hadleigh Tel 01473 941049 www.thecockinnhadleigh.co.uk

The Cock Inn

Traditionally run freehouse

Hadleigh’s largest selection of of Cask Ales, Gin, Vodka, Whiskies and Wines!

Live Sport in APRIL

The masters Live Golf 6th-9th Grand National 15th

England v Brazil Finalissima Wembley 6th

F1 Grand Prix

Australia 2nd, Azerbaijan 30th MotoGP

Argentina 4th, Americas 16th, Spanish 30th

Premier League Picks

Man City v Liverpool 1st

Liverpool v Arsenal 9th

Man City v Arsenal 26th

Watch your sport on our TV's & giant screen. Only we can show 3 separate events at the same time

APRIL WHATS ON Live Music

Sat 15th The Blaggers 8.45pm

Sun 23rd 3 Steps to Heaven 3pm

Sun 30th Rob Lewis 3pm

Events

Tue 4th Buskers Night 8pm

Tue 11th Quiz Night 8pm

Tue 18th Open Mic 8pm

Novice darts every Wed NIGHT 8pm beginners welcome

EARLY BIRD SAVINGS

BETWEEN 12 NOON-2pm& 5-7pmMON-FRI

Carlsberg £3.60 • Guinness £4.60 • Peroni £4.70 • Abbot £3.80

Victoria £3.50 • San Miguel £4.60 • House Red & White Wine £3.80 175ml

Double up on selected spirits only £1.50 extra. All day every day!

The Cock Inn, 89 George Street, Hadleigh Tel 01473 941049 www.thecockinnhadleigh.co.uk

Accounts Assistant Required

This is expected to be a full-time role within our small business services department. The ideal candidate will already have experience in the following areas:

•Business record keeping, including the preparation and submission of VAT returns

•Preparation of accounts for sole traders, partnership, and small limited companies

•Preparation and submission of payrolls on behalf of clients

The role would suit an individual who will either be qualified with the Association of Accounting Technicians, or working towards this qualification.

Rotary Review

Club News: Following the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria the Club held a street collection on 17 March which despite atrocious weather produced £228.13. This was followed by a collection at Morrisons the following day which added £245.04 to this. The Club would like to thank everyone who donated for their kind generosity. Another collection will be held on 25th and results reported in the next issue. All the collection will go to Shelterbox which already in the area providing emergency shelters and other lifesaving equipment. Shelterbox is a Rotary linked charity.

Members also thank Club friends Steve Grimsey, Sue Clark, John Williamson, Jerry Noble, Richard Cooley and Paul Homer as well as WI members Maggie Evans, Sue Webb, Loraine Wenham, Petra Wenham. Without their help it would not have been possible to hold this event.

Ukraine Crisis: Bulletin No 7 - The Club has presented another laptop to a further member of the Ukrainian community in Hadleigh and hopes to help again when required. Rotary in Great Britain is still providing enormous help in Ukraine itself. In the past 12 months over £6 million has been sent in cash or kind and over 100,000 volunteer hours donated. Clubs in one District have banded together to provide 2 drones for mine and unexploded bomb detection and another has provided 6500 bags of warm winter clothing. The Rotary Fellowship of Healthcare Professionals has raised £500,000 medical equipment and emergency aid items .

Peace is a cornerstone of Rotary’s global mission and whilst war rages on we continue to be committed to help and support wherever we can. Rotary also responds as quickly as possible to every disaster and with its worldwide network of Clubs is usually amongst the first to arrive with aid. In addition World polio eradication has not been forgotten and work continues in Pakistan and Afghanistan despite natural and political disasters. Flood and famine are breeding grounds for polio so vigilance and continued immunisation is essential.

Where there is a problem in the world you can count on Rotary being there to help in any way it can. Members are proud to represent such an organisation – would you like to join us?

The last two paragraphs are repeated from an earlier issue and I make no apology for this as they convey an important message.

To learn more Telephone David 01473 827226 or visit the Rotary Club of Hadleigh website. You will also be welcome at one of our coffee mornings which are held monthly at Cobblers

Hadleigh and Boxford Patient Participation Group (PPG)

As Covid is no respecter of persons, it’s not surprising Practice staff have also been laid low and often obliged to stay home. Whilst every effort is made to maintain normal service there were times in March when this was very difficult. Let’s hope that by the time this edition comes out everyone is feeling better and able to return to work.

The Practice is also enduring ongoing renovations, sanctioned by the landlord, which may cause some unavoidable disruption especially the works vehicles in the car park. Please be patient patients while the face lift continues. It will all be worthwhile. The High School Art Department has kindly agreed to grace the newly painted room with their students’ work. The fallen tree near the surgery car park has been reported to the landlord and will be dealt with asap.

There is another new defibrillator in Hadleigh. A joint effort with The Hadleigh and Boxford Medical Centre Charitable Trust, London Hearts, The Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Probus all contributing to its appearance on the outside wall of the Hadleigh Fire Station. The last free training session, supporting the use of these machines, was on March 11th. In total over 120 attendees attended the classes. Sincere thanks to the Hadleigh First Responders team for giving their time and the benefit of their expertise at each session. Thanks, too, to Jonathan Harvey of Abbeycroft for generously allowing us to use the Social Room.

The NHS has launched a Compassionate Companion scheme in the hope that some caring citizens will give their time and support to those who need it. See below for further information.

Via James Cartlidge, the PPG has received a somewhat obscure reply from the Department of Health and Social Care or DHSC. Their Email is designed to reassure us that all is kosher with the procurement process for the contract to manage our personal information on the much enlarged NHS data base. It also confirms the future safety and security of the information in their care. There was no indication when the system or plans for its acquisition would be openly discussed in Parliament. Only time will tell if our fears are well founded or not.

Another reminder to check your medicine before you walk out of the Pharmacy. If you wait until you have left the chemist any excess medicine you return will be wasted.

Have you collected the info you need from the Practice Reception to start booking your doctor’s appointments on line? If you need help to log in etc., Babergh D.C are offering free IT classes on first Thursday of the month In the Hadleigh Library. This will go some way to reducing the number of telephone calls.

Subject to confirmation, a Covid booster clinic will take place on 29th April. Local availability of vaccine will determine who is invited to attend. The Practice is in the hands of NHS procurement for that information. I am recruiting car park volunteers.

The PPG will be helping with the Gareth Meredith Memorial Walk on Sunday 16 July ’23. See details elsewhere in this magazine.

Finally, with Easter coming there will be a lot of chocolate around. As life is nothing without a little guilty pleasure now and again why not indulge, in moderation, and choose a healthy option? Dark chocolate is a fantastic source of antioxidants which protect your body from all kinds of nasty health issues. HAPPY EASTER.

www.hadleighhealth.co.uk

www.facebook.com/Hadleigh-Boxford-Group-Practice

PPG Chair: Jan Devey 01473 827 091 Email: devey@btinternet.com www.compassionate-communities.co.uk/compassionate-companions

Contact: Dr Crockett. lindsey.crockett@nhs.net or 07443 020291

(leave a message)

ALB-Framing

If your picture needs framing, contact me!

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Home or office visits are available. Following discussions about your requirements, in situ you’ll see the various framing options.

Please contact me: 07769 858076

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Summer stock now arriving!

We have been extremely busy receiving fabulous new lines of summer stock. Our new pieces consist of gorgeous printed floaty dresses, linen and cotton tops as well as a vast amount of accessories.

One stand out piece this summer is the green Alice Collins wrap dress. This dress features a bold clematis print with a tiered front, frilly hem and a wrap tie waist. This dress can really take you from day to night. Pair more casually with white trainers and a crossbody bag or dress it up with heels and some dainty jewellery. We have also just taken delivery of this seasons fairtrade wooden jewellery in a fabulous colour pallet. Whether you like muted pastel pinks and lilacs or bolder greens and blues they have really been working hard to provide for all tastes. These wonderful items are handmade in Indonesia by artisans, with a very high quality and finish that pair beautifully with our linen dresses and tops.

It’s all in the detail. Proving popular with our customers are the hand embroidered velvet pouches. Everyone loves a bit of nature and what’s better than a turtle, or even two turtles embroidered on to a luxurious deep green velvet. Other styles include leopards, peacocks, butterflies and dragonflies.

We hope to see you at DRIVE IT DAY! Returning for another year is the popular event where Kersey Mill turns into a classic car extravaganza. We will be open on the day along with the other shops on site and The Millers Kitchen doing a BBQ. The mill and gardens will also be open for all to look around. Sunday 23rd April 10am-4pm. Free entry. (£5 for parking and all proceeds donated to the Friends Of Kersey Mill/ Restoration Fund)

07969 525859 www.zoronline.com zoronline.sales@gmail.com

Kersey Mill, Stone Street IP7 6DP - Open Mon-Sat 10am to 4.00pm

Tea and Cake and Songs

On Saturday, 1 April Hadleigh Community Choir is hosting a sing-along Tea Party at the Ansell Centre from 2-4 pm, inviting all members of the community to come along and join in. The afternoon is designed around singing together and catching up over a cup of tea and some home made cakes. The Choir provides all that is needed for this fun and musical afternoon - just bring yourselves and enjoy!

When we are not singing with the community, we practice for our concertsright now we are rehearsing for our “Musicals” themed Summer Concert, where we will sing a wide variety of well and maybe lesser known songs. Hadleigh Community Choir gets together once a week on a Thursday evening to practice a repertoire of songs, our members come from Hadleigh and surrounding villages, our singers come from a variety of backgrounds- we all love to sing in a group, some can read music, others don’t but that does not mean they enjoy it any less.

The Summer Concert on 15 July will be the last one under the direction of Sarah Gallop as Music Director, who will be relocating after her marriage in June. The choir is looking for a new music director to take over the baton from Sarah in September, the process is starting now. If this is of interest for you or anyone you know, the role specification is available from the choir’s committee, please email contact-us@hadleighcommunitychoir.org.uk.

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Ken’s SESAW News

Suffolk & Essex Small Animal Welfare Reg charity no 1124029

The garden is full of birdsong heralding the arrival of Spring but it’s so cold at the time of writing! Poor old Ollie (the Black) Cat is tantalised by the nesting birds he can only watch from the window as he recovers from a little accident. He has enjoyed being pampered but he’s getting restless now. The improvements outside are coming along nicely, thanks to our willing volunteers and a work party from the Colchester based branch of Informa. The team braved miserable weather to spruce up the site and were still smiling at the end of the day. A big thank you to all of them, please come back soon! Thanks are also due to Pets At Home in Colchester for choosing SESAW as the store’s official charity for 2023. We look forward to meeting customers in store during the year. Although we are currently ‘hibernating’ to facilitate site improvements, emergency admissions have continued as circumstances force people to part with their family pets. If you are in a more fortunate position and looking for a new four-legged companion, please check our website or drop us an email with your details. We have many cats and dogs including Boots, a Chihuahua Terrier cross. She’s very loving and needy, having been through a lot in her life and needs a special diet to keep her fit and well. She’s a real cutie, ready to walk into your home and be the one and only your heart desires.

Suffolk & Essex Small Animal Welfare, Registered Charity No.1124029, Stoke Road, Leavenheath, CO6 4PP. Tel: 01787 210888, www.sesaw.co.uk

The Suffolk Stitchers

The Suffolk Stitchers are very excited to announce that our speaker for April is Dot Ronaldson. Dot is a fun, quirky and inspirational textile and mixed media artist based in East Anglia. She is using lots of up-cycled materials in combination with stitch to produce wonderful pieces of art. All welcome. The meeting is on the 20 April, 7pm for 7.30 start at Monks Eleigh Village Hall. For more information, email thesuffolkstitchers@gmail.com

French’s Care Haven

Hello to our readers, I hope you have all been keeping well. One of our photo’s this month is of Lucy our therapy dog sitting with one of our 3 month old rescue kittens. Lucy has a heart of gold and loves people and all animals and birds, she is the perfect girl to give those in need, her one to one therapy. The other is our Lady who has a cheeky look in her eye in this photo. We did get a response to our request for tall metal cabinets, I would like to thank David for the cabinets from his office in London and Emma who gave from her work place in Ipswich and Brian for going to collect the ones Emma’s workplace donated to us in Ipswich. Now we need to clear all the feed room out, so the animal’s rugs and equipment can be put away in these metal cabinets and kept away from animal intruders that destroy everything. I would also like to thank Mrs McIntyre for a donation she sent in the post which paid for two of our ponies to have trims from the farrier. Also a thank you to Cherry, we could do with more people like you Cherry. A lady called Diana contacted me and Sharon as she sadly had lost her horse and wanted all their belongings to come to us, to keep or sell, thank you Diana that was nice of you to think of French’s.

I am still looking for someone who has a few hours to spare a week, to help us with fencing and general maintenance, please call me if you can help. This year if you are looking to do a sponsored bike ride, a walk or anything you enjoy doing to keep fit and help a charity, please consider French’s. Last year we had a wonderful lady Pamela who rode her bike for 80 miles when she reached 80 years old and Pamela raised a super amount of £800 for our rescued animals. We totally depend on lovely people like Pamela, we also had Debbie who raised money as a scarecrow at an event, some of the money Debbie raised was donated to French’s. I would love to hear from you if you can help us and let me know what you plan to do, so that I can let locals know what you are doing and how they can sponsor you.

Our Charity are looking forward to the Monks Eleigh Fete and dog show this year on 3rd June from 1pm-5pm, we had a stand at this event last summer, it was a great day for us and all the people who came along to the Fete, it is nice to be invited back. If you hold any events where we can have a stand please let us know, then our Charity can help by promoting your day and of course let all those people out there who are unaware of us at French’s, know that we exist. Please call Sharon if you have an event this year that we could attend, on: 07999051401 or email Sharon: frenchs.100club@gmail.com

French’s is a charity on your doorstep, can you help, either with time, donations, or sponsorship. You are welcome to come along and meet our animals. Call me for an appointment. Jann on: 07747755556 or email: jann.turner@hotmail.co.uk www.frenchscarehven.org.uk

Kersey Open Gardens

Saturday, 10 June 2023 11.00 am to 5.00 pm

Adults: £5 (cash only), Under 16s: Free Back at last a chance to see Kersey’s beautiful gardens

Refreshments will be available in the Village Hall throughout the day.

Proceeds will be shared between St Elizabeth Hospice in Ipswich and Kersey Projects for community events

Contact us at: kerseyprojects@gmail.com for any further details

Tel: 07818 420029

2023

Fun Day of Cycling for Youngsters in Easter holidays

Hadleigh Cycling Club will be running a full day of cycling fun for young riders (age 4-16) who enjoy cycling at Hadleigh Cricket Club on Friday, 14th April. A team of British Cycling certified coaches will help riders to develop their bike handling skills, core cycling techniques and confidence through fun activities, games, and mini races. There will be different ability groups (Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced) to cater for the full range of abilities. All the riders need to bring is a bike (in good working order) that can be used off-road, a helmet, suitable clothing, water, and a packed lunch. The day will cost £20 per rider which will include an annual membership to Hadleigh CC and a special edition HCC T-Shirt. A discounted price of £15 is available to current members. Details of the day are available via www.hadleighcyclingclub.co.uk and entry is via www.britishcycling.org.uk (click on “events”).

In addition to the planned activities for the day, all riders will receive a complimentary HCC membership for 2023, a special edition HCC T-Shirt and British Cycling Go-Ride goodies.

The Junior Club also returns this season on Tuesday evenings, starting 18th April until the end of Summer. These sessions will be run weekly from 18:30 to 19:30 at Hadleigh Community Primary School, with a monthly ride on the Railway Walk to help our riders to build their confidence to ride in the ‘wild’. Our coaches will work with our young riders on specific skills and techniques to help them improve all the way through the season.

We are also working closely with British Cycling’s Eastern Region Team to create more opportunities including additional coaching sessions at Colchester’s Northern Gateway Sports Park, as well as support to try racing in a number of disciplines such as cyclocross, crit and track.

Adult membership of HCC is £12 for 2023 with the offer including two under18 children per adult.

The Club runs a social ride on Sundays usually starting at 9.00am from The George and there is a café stop. Currently, we’re also running regular rides on Fridays (women). The rides are weather dependant so, if in doubt, check our Facebook page @hadleighcyclingclub Twitter @HadleighCycling or www.hadleighcyclingclub.co.uk

Kersey Table Tennis Club

We are a small and friendly club and welcome players of all abilities. The purpose of the club is social and recreational. We do not play competition. We operate from Kersey village hall on Thursday evenings between 7:30pm and 9:00pm. Our fees are: Adults £2.50 for one hour or £3.00 for the full session, Juniors (under 18) £2.00 irrespective of duration. Contact: Adrian Blyth 01473 827805 (amblyth1@gmail.com)

Hadleigh Garden Club

Our AGM in March was very well supported and it was great to get two new volunteers to join the committee. The members will bring fresh ideas and hopefully help the club continue to flourish. Annual membership remains £12. The meeting was followed by a brilliant talk from Jo Hull, shown on right of this picture with her business partner Carla Hammersley.

Jo and her husband Dave have survived many traumatic set backs while setting up their nursery, previously Applewood Acres in Bentley. They now run Benton End Flower Farm on the outskirts of Hadleigh…appointments only.

Growing cut flowers for sale at local markets and used in workshops they plan to expand this year. You may remember Jo selling her salad bags on Hadleigh market but Covid disrupted those plans. She is so enthusiastic and comes back after knockbacks even stronger.

She says “Plant dreams…Grow miracles” - Good luck with their future plans…hard work and the love of flowers will carry them to success. Due to Easter falling the second weekend in April our meeting is moved to Monday 17th Chris Wiley will be talking on Sweet Peas. The competition is three tulips mixed or the same. Do join us as hopefully spring will be with us and the wet and frosty conditions of March a distant memory.

As usual we meet at 7.30 pm in the Guildhall, £2 member /£4 guests. A warm welcome awaits plus raffle, a cuppa and natter

Hadleigh Flower Club

For our March meeting we had a floral demonstration held by Doreen Robinson, entitled “Embracing Colour”. She was a newly qualified demonstrator and this being only her 2nd demonstration. She gave us a lovely evening filled with lots of fresh spring flowers and colours.

Our next meeting will be an extra special one and not to be missed, as it the committee doing the demonstration, their title is “Childhood Memories”. Tuesday 11th April, Hadleigh United Reformed Church, arrival 7pm for 7.30pm start. On the 18th April 2023 we will be holding a Spring Luncheon at Monks Eleigh village hall, 12pm for 12.30pm. There will be a fashion show, stalls, and a raffle. We will be giving a donation from the event to The Shelley Centre for Therapeutic riding, which is a great local cause. If you are interested in coming along and would like a ticket, they are £17.50 and include a drink on arrival, a two-course lunch and tea/coffee, then please call Jenny on 01473 822971/07786 721807. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Glenn’s Walk - an update

Kazakhstan is huge - an area of 2,724,900 km makes it the world’s largest landlocked country, and the 9th largest in the world. Between its most distant points it measures about 1820 miles east to west and 960 miles north to south. In 2021 the population of about 19 million made it one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. Vast regions of the territory are uninhabited, and that’s where I am, on the Virtual Mission website, 76% (6500 miles) from Cape Town, with another 2050 to walk to the east of Russia.

HADLEIGH WIVES GROUP SPRNG PROGRAMME 2023

All meetings start at 7.30pm in the seminar room above the library unless otherwise stated

13th April - Treasure Hunt in and around St. Mary’s Church followed by coffee and cake

27th April - Visit to The Little Ginger Bee Co. Hadleigh followed by coffee and cake

For more information please contact Monica Girling 07922 193359

Hadleigh Craft Group

For a couple of weeks we enjoyed the challenge of making a Tree of Life. There was lots of happy chatter as we encouraged each other in our making. A week on our own projects and now we’ve moved on to crochet, members taught and refreshed memories of the basics. The plan is to make squares We’ll be making fimo animals with an Easter theme after the crochet and then its some jewellery making.

If you’d like to join this friendly group for chat and to learn some new skills, come along to the Ansell Centre, Hadleigh on a Tuesday morning between 9.30 and 12. Except for during school holidays. There’s a charge of £4 each time you come. This includes a drink and biscuits and usually the materials for whatever craft were doing. Occasionally there’s an additional charge. If you don’t fancy the organised project, you’re welcome to bring your own.

If you’d like to know more before you come along, call Marion on 01473 822224

Hadleigh Walkers

Our walk on Saturday 8th April will start and end in Assington just off the A134 Sudbury to Colchester Road. We will meet at Assington Village Hall car park and depart at 0930. The Village Hall is situated on the Assington to Bures Road about 100m past the Assington Farm shop on the LHS (heading towards Bures). From the car park we will head towards Mill Fm, then Tiger Hill Wood, Fysh House Fm, past St Stephen’s chapel, Highfield Fm, Farthing Hall, Leavenheath Fm, Gedding Hall and back to the car park via Mill Fm

The distance of the entire route is a little under 8 miles and we should be back in Assington around 1300. We will have a short rest stop enroute, probably at St Stephen’s Chapel with its dragon views.

As usual, we aim to maintain a not-too-demanding 2.5 mph (4 km/hr). Walkers should be aware that any weather is possible so strong shoes or preferably walking boots should be worn as the ground may be muddy or rough in places. Everyone is welcome, including well behaved dogs. As usual, route maps can be requested from the web site. For further information about these walks go to www.hadleighwalkers.com or email us at hadleighwalkers@gmail.com

Hadleigh Art Club

We meet from 2.00 until 4.00 pm on Tuesday afternoons during term time in the Seminar Room above the Library. For those who ask, we try to give advice, guidance and constructive criticism but there is no 'teacher'. We all do art because we enjoy it, not necessarily because we are good at it, we all have pieces that turn out well and others that don't, so please don't worry about your ability, just come along and join in, we're a friendly group. We charge £2 per session to the cover cost of room hire and tea/coffee. You only pay for the sessions you attend and the first one is free so you are welcome to drop in and see us on a Tuesday afternoon. Annual membership is £5 and is due in May. We have a list of weekly topics and these are only suggestions for anyone who wants ideas on what to do. Some people will be working on one of the topics (not always the current week’s) while others will be working on their own subject. Feel free to choose.

Programme for April 2023

04/04/2023 Chocolate - where will this theme take you?

11/04/2023 A view from a window

18/04/2023 Blossom maybe cherry or apple

25/04/2023 A landscape - taking in the huge East Anglian skies of billowing clouds.

02/05/2023 Workshop - led by Hazel Bradshaw

Carrier’s Restaurant

Wish you were a million miles from the hustle and bustle? Would you enjoy a breath of peace and tranquillity in our stunning environment? Well look no further. Come for a break from “the real world” to Hintlesham Hall’s magnificent restaurant, terraces and gardens. There are different dining options available to suit all….

The restaurant offers a menu full of options and flavour, perfect for any formal and informal occasion from birthday celebrations to family meals out.

Our herb and vegetable garden, which is now in full swing once more, producing a mass of vegetables for the Kitchen including:

Fine Beans, Broad Beans, Sugar Snaps, Heritage Carrots, Courgettes, Swiss Chard, Kohl Rabi, Cavolo Nero, Curly Kale, along with a variety of Salads, Herbs and Fruits appearing on our seasonal menus.

Why not enjoy a cocktail or two in-front of the open fire in one of our lounges or outside on the terrace.

Hintlesham Hall, Ipswich, IP8 3NS. Tel: 01473 652334

www.hintleshamhall.com

News from the Station

Spring is my favourite time of the year. I don’t know about you but I feel like its been a long winter so I’m ready with open arms to welcome warmer days and longer nights.

Unfortunately we are still having reports of antisocial behaviour regarding vehicles coming in. Officers from the Safer Neighbourhood team have had a few good results. 2 individuals have been caught drifting around a roundabout, they have been interviewed and reported to court. Another individual has been offered a retraining course over their behaviour witnessed in Morrisons car park.

On Friday 24th February I was outside Morrisons for a pop up engagement event. I was joined by our Assistant Chief Constable and Tim Passmore the Police Crime Commissioner for a while. Morrisons was the ideal location as many people from nearby villages also use the store as well as locals. Despite it being jolly cold, it was fantastic to speak to so many of you and find out if you have any concerns.

There are 3 Primary Schools and 1 High School in Hadleigh which means we often get complaints of inconsiderate parking during drop off and pick up times and near misses because children are not always road savvy and drivers are not paying attention. So how can make this better? By working collaboratively, drivers, parents, Schools, local residents, Police and Parking enforcement. If you live near a School then there has to be a common sense approach, you will know that certain times of the day it will be busy. If you are a parent driving your child to school, leave plenty of time, don’t rush. Do not block peoples driveways, do not park close to the ends of junctions and do not park on the white and yellow zigzag lines. If you are a driver, drive slower and be extra vigilant of your surroundings, some children have not learnt road safety yet and don’t realise the risks of running into the road. If you are a School, please continue to send the message to parents and get in contact with parking enforcement if it doesn’t improve. PCSO Jo Adams is often at different schools ensuring people are parking safely.

PC Katie Jarrett 582 Ipswich West and Hadleigh Community Engagement Officer

H INTLESHAM H ALL SUFFOLK

CARRIER’S RESTAURANT

FINE DINING TO EVERYDAY DINING

Eat al fresco weather permitting and enjoy our wonderful gardens

Monday – Saturday

Two course lunch, glass of wine & coffee @ £31.50 per person

Three course lunch, glass of wine & coffee @ £38.50 per person

Sunday Lunch

Two course lunch @ £29.50 per person

Three course lunch @ £36.50 per person

Tea & Coffee £3.50

Book lunch or Dinner with us and receive a complimentary aperitif, quote Spring 23 (valid until 31st August 2023)

HINTLESHAM HALL

Hintlesham, Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 3NS

Reservations Tel: +44(0)1473 652334

www.hintleshamhall.com

Walk In Family Salon

Opening Hours: Sunday Closed

Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9 am to 5.30 pm

Tuesday 9 am to 7.00 pm

Thursday 9 am to 8.00 pm

Saturday 8.30 am to 4.00 pm

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Letter from Layham www.layham.org

SUREFIXSUREFIX SUREFIX

Are you new to Layham?

If you have just moved to the village and would like to know more about it please visit the Parish Council website at www.layham.org

Parish Council

The main matters discussed during the Parish Council Meeting of 22 February 2023 were:

REPLACEMENT WINDOWS, DOORS, FASCIAS, SOFFITS AND CONSERVATORIES

PVCU, ALUMINIUM, HARDWOOD, SECONDARY AND CHOICES OF COLOURS AVAILABLE

FULL REPAIRS UNDERTAKEN ON EXISTING DOUBLE GLAZING HANDLES, LOCKS, TRIMS, MISTY/BROKEN SEALED UNITS, DROPPED DOORS ETC.

WE CAN ALSO SUPPLY ALL MATERIALS FOR DIY / TRADE

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Architecture and Interior Design

District Council The budget for 2023-24 had been approved. Cllr Ward said that, following the Government’s re-assessment of business rates, there was no longer a requirement to use reserves to balance the budget. Council house rents would be increased by 7%, an average of £400 per month. BDC was winning most of the appeals against its planning decisions. The Council was undertaking a major review of its councillor training in preparation for the May elections.

County Council There would be a consultation on Suffolk’s proposed devolution deal, which would start in the early summer. Referring to the investment in trees and hedgerows, and in particular the statement in the report that ‘the authority will have more resource to manage mature and declining trees’, Cllr Woods said trees planted by SCC had never been properly managed. As work on the footpath along the B1070 was due to start in March, he suggested the trees could be inspected at the same time, as they were part of the problem.

New

and Alterations

tel: 01473 372 382 Mobile: 07515 351 894

email: franklyn@franklynnevard.co.uk

Web: www.franklynnevard.co.uk

ESTABLISHED IN 1982

Telephone Community News on 01473 823366

It was agreed unanimously to proceed with the purchase of a defibrillator for Stoke Road. The owners of Warwick Cottage had confirmed they were happy for the defibrillator to be located on the garden wall. Cllr Hall said she might be able to help with funding towards the cost of the defibrillator from her Locality Budget; the Clerk would send her details.

Defibrillator for Stoke Road

Website It was agreed unanimously that additional content on the website should include a page each for the Playing Field, St Andrew’s Church, the Village Hall (including the Social Club), the Local History Group and the Events Group.

Annual Parish Meeting This would take place on Wednesday 26 April, at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

Flooding in Church Lane

A parishioner had contacted SCC about the ongoing problem with flooding in Church Lane. SCC had agreed to escalate the priority to medium/high and had asked the drainage engineer to investigate; however, it was noted that this could take some time.

2023 meeting dates Wednesday 29 March, Wednesday 26 April (Annual Parish Meeting), Wednesday 24 May (AGM), Wednesday 28 June, Wednesday 26 July, Wednesday 30 August, Wednesday 27 September, Wednesday 25 October, Wednesday 29 November.

Social Club

Another good session at the start of the month with lots of chatting, refreshments and a quiz. Kay won the quiz on the theme of Spring. Thanks again to Peter our quiz setter.After the February meeting we are planning to host more speakers as Roger Kennell’s speech was so popular. Further notices will follow about a talk by the Fire Service and by a National Trust guide.

We welcome new members and to ensure that people from other villages and Hadleigh feel welcome we have changed the group name from Layham Social Club to Social Club. There is a small charge of £2 to cover hire of the hall and our next meeting is from 2pm - 4pm on April 6 when our theme will be Easter. Contact Sue Keeble: suekeeuk@yahoo.co.uk or just come along.

Layham Playing Field 120 Club March 2023

£25 Ticket No 17 Webber; £15 Ticket No 110 Clay

Layham Village Hall

Coronation Tea Party – 7th May serving between 3.30 to 5.30. This will be a special event with delicious food and a glass of prosecco. Tickets £10 please book early to avoid disappointment.

News Alert – Ladybirds Toddler Group Hadleigh Town Council have given us some funding to host ‘Ladybirds’ in Layham Village Hall. If you are a parent/grandparent looking after a toddler, then join Rosemary and her granddaughter Winnie on Tuesday mornings at 10.30 for an hour. Enjoy a friendly chat while your little one plays, there will be a small charge for refreshments. The village hall is only 5minutes from Hadleigh or a pleasant 20minute walk in nice weather either using Lower Layham Road or Benton Street/Mill Lane to the village hall over the river footbridge. Commencing Tuesday 11th April.

The Annual General Meeting of the Management Committee will be held on 20th April 2023 at 6.30pm.

All Enquiries: Secretary – Jan McNelly 01473 871043 Hall Hire Booking Enquiries: rosey.emma@btinternet.com

Fun Family Event – Monday 8th May To celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III, Layham Events Group is organising an event on Layham Playing Field on the extra Bank Holiday Monday 8 May.

There will be rounders matches for adults and children and a Lower Layham v Upper Layham Adults’ Challenge Match.

The cup is currently held by Lower Layham so, come on Upper Layham! We need teams of between 6 and 9 to take part, so please let us know if you can form a team. There is a sign-up sheet in the Queen’s Head if you are interested, or email layhamevents@gmail.com, or layhamcommunityemail@gmail.com, or just turn up on the day!

The event will take place from 12 noon to 4pm on Layham Playing Field. There will be refreshments, including beer and a BBQ. Local DJ, Michael Mumford, will be playing hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s and Brian Hempstead will be on keyboard. Every child under 16 in the village will receive a uniquely designed Layham Coronation water bottle - with thanks to John Ward and Babergh District Council for a Locality Budget grant.

We would welcome donations of cake for the refreshments stall – if you can help, please email layhamevents@gmail.com.

Did you spend your childhood in Layham? Layham Local History Group is planning a display at Layham Mill entitled ‘A Layham Childhood’ on Monday May 8th from 12 pm to 4 pm to coincide with the Layham Rounders Event and BBQ on the playing field We will have personal accounts, photographs and memories from the 1890s to recent times. We are also hoping to show

film footage taken in the last century. Find out how village life has changed and wander down memory lane with us. Refreshments will be available on the playing field adjacent. Thanks to Glenda and Ed Hall for allowing us display space in Layham Mill.

If you would like to contribute to the display, please contact Sue Keeble on 07753192482 or Charlotte Britton at charlottepbritton@gmail.com

Layham Mill eel pass installation Each year eel larvae migrate from the Sargasso Sea in the Western Atlantic to the headwaters of rivers in Europe as part of their breeding cycle. The installation photographed here, partly built by the Envionment Agency, will allow eels to migrate past the stepped spilled weir at Layham Mill. They can then reach a larger part of their natural habitat.

Hadleigh Guildhall Clubs, Groups, & Associations

Are you looking for somewhere to ……

MEET, TEACH, LEARN, SHARE, TALK, DANCE, SING, EXERCISE! PAINT, SEW, CRAFT, REHEARSE, PERFORM, CREATE!

Whatever your activity, Hadleigh Guildhall has a space suitable for you. Situated in the centre of Hadleigh the Guildhall has a range of rooms perfect for Clubs Groups and Associations to use. Small groups of just 10 or 20 people are comfortable in the council chamber, larger groups in the Guildroom or Dining room, and the Grand Hall can accommodate over 100. Hire can be weekly, monthly, quarterly, or a single booking as a venue for a special meeting or AGM. Hadleigh Market Feoffment Charity offer discounted and preferential hire rates to Hadleigh residents or Hadleigh groups/associations. Rooms can be a clear space for exercise based activities or set out to your requirements with tables and chairs. Audio-visual, Public-Address system and stage are all available and the Garden can be used to enhance any activity, in addition a Bar can be provided if required.

Hadleigh Guildhall is a building of outstanding character, and an asset for the benefit of all who live in and around Hadleigh, why not see for yourself what it has to offer?

Viewings are encouraged and most welcome. Contact the booking clerk on 01473 822544 or email info@hadleightownhall.co.uk

Hadleigh Orchestra

Hadleigh Orchestra, in conjunction with St Mary’s Church, Hadleigh, are planning on putting on a ‘Last Night of the Proms’ concert on 21st October 2023. We are looking for enthusiastic singers of all abilities to join us for a fun evening of making music together, with the classic Proms items, including Land of Hope and Glory, Jerusalem, and Rule Britannia. We will also be performing the choral works, Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah, and Faure’s Cantique de Jean Racine. There will be a rehearsal to include singers on Monday 16th October and again on the afternoon of the concert.

It would be great to have a mixed group of singers

– if you are interested in coming along please scan the QR code for more details.

We are also keen to welcome new players to the orchestra, preferably Grade 4 standard or above.

The orchestra meets on a Monday evening at Beaumont School, 14 Durrant Rd, Hadleigh, IP7 6GD from 7.30-9.15pm.

If you are interested please pop along on a Monday evening (term-time) or get in contact via our website, http://hadleighorchestra.uk/ You will be assured of a friendly welcome amongst a group of friends who simply enjoy making music together.

BRENT ELEIGH, Nr. LAVENHAM, SUDBURY, SUFFOLK

Delightful Dual Registered Nursing and Residential Home offering care to 34 residents

All rooms are well appointed with en-suite facilities

Nurse Call System: Passenger Lifts: Various Public Rooms: High standard of 24 hour personal care.

Enquiries to: Matron: Mrs Judy Carne RGN, RMA

Proprietor: Mrs. E. P. Knight RGN, RM Telephone 01787 247340 / 247495

www.laxfieldhouse.co.uk

Hadleigh Library News

As part of St Elizabeth Hospice's Compassionate Communities project, we have a new collection of books to help support our community. Compassionate Communities gives you the tools to help others whether it be at work, through community events or simply how to support a neighbour going through a bereavement. By developing these skills, we can build the confidence and resilience needed to care for one another before and after end of life. Find out more information on our Suffolk Libraries website https://www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/advice/compassion-and-bereavement Suffolk Libraries has launched its largest ever fundraising campaign - PAWSitivity!PAWS-itivity will involve Labrador dog sculptures, individually created by local artists, in Suffolk’s libraries this summer. The dogs will set up home in libraries following a tour of Suffolk at a number of events with their launch at the Suffolk Show and will then be auctioned off in October. Our PAWS-itivity art sculpture event will raise money to support our work at the heart of the community, nurturing literacy, improving health and wellbeing. More information on where to visit our Library Labradors will be coming soon! You can help us raise pounds for hounds by donating to Suffolk Libraries https://www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/support-us. Every pound will help us to bring this campaign together to fund our vital work.

Hadleigh and District WI

March was a busy month as all groups met. We assisted the Rotary on the 17th, 18th and 25 March in their collections for the earthquake disaster in Turkey and Syria.

The Amblers will be going to Flatford Mill on the 5th April. Book Worms have booked out two books: The Death of Lucy Kyte by Nicola Upson and Thursday's Child by Nicci French. The Lunch Bunch are looking forward to meeting up at The Carriers Arms in East Bergholt on the 13th April. At the time of writing we are looking forward to Tools with a Mission coming to the meeting on 21st March to tell us about the wonderful work that they do. On the 19th April we are very much looking forward to a visit from the Hedgehog Rescue service. We are exploring taking a trip on the River Orwell in May. We have welcomed four new members. If you would like to come for a 'taster' evening contact Glenn Abbassi the Secretary on 07870 312409, or Sheila Webb the President on 01473 827554 and we will look out for you. We meet on the third Tuesday - 21st March- at 7.30pm in the Seminar Room above the Library on the corner of Duke Street.

Back Pain?... Movement = Improvement

When suffering with low back or leg pain (sciatica) from a lumbar injury, we often struggle to stand upright or walk comfortably. We gravitate to inactivity and then employ occasional, often extreme, stretching exercises to alleviate pain and stiffness - which often give only brief, symptomatic relief.

Stretching exercises (such as knee hugs and rotations) can be very helpful as they can create a rapid change in pressure through the joints, stretch muscles and help open up the spaces through which nerves pass between vertebrae. However, this higher amplitude and intensity can aggravate injuries if over done. On the other hand, walking at a comfortable pace allows the spine to move and undulate more gently. The mild pressure changes and rhythmical rocking that occurs during walking improves blood circulation and lymph drainage. In turn, this helps reduce congestion, inflammation and pain from tense muscles, fluid stagnation and high prostaglandin levels. Moderate walking can help your muscles relax by adopting a familiar pattern imprinted within your muscles’ memory, rather than taking on a more challenging new exercise.

Simply put, being upright and mobile stimulates your core, posture, balance and body physiology (including your circulation, digestion and respiration) to keep working healthily - all essential in assisting your recovery. Yet, whilst walking seems easy, it can be a monumental task when in pain. Some helpful tips are:

-Take it slowly.

- Avoid sitting in low soft chairs or sofas when experiencing back pain.

- Stand up and get moving from a high chair or stool.

- Take your time as you may feel light headed from medication or lying down too long.

- Use a stick, chair or a friendly person to help you onto your feet.

- Bend your knees a little and tuck your tail bone (coccyx) under, by engaging your core and tensing your buttocks a little.

- Holding onto a chair or furniture if needed, start by walking on the spot. Try to look ahead and not at the floor.

- A heat pack can ease stiff and aching muscles or apply a cold pack if the pain is intense or acute.

- Try a back brace or even a sweater or thick scarf tied around your lower back, hips and pelvis for added support.

- Discuss medication with your GP / health practitioner as often this can assist your movement by making it feel less painful or inflamed.

In most cases remember that “motion is your healing potion" and the enemy of your recovery is bed rest and inactivity. However, there is a case for bed rest and inactivity with certain spinal injuries, so its always best to consult a health professional for advice.

If you are experiencing musculo-skeletal pain from an injury, lifestyle habits or degenerative changes and would like advice and treatment then I would be delighted to discuss this with you.

Elaine Everitt is an Osteopath, Acupuncturist and Medical Herbalist working in Boxford and London. Tel: 07587 743 850 Pippettes Farm, Stone Street, Boxford CO10 5NR elaineeveritt.com

Hazel Biggs

Hazel Biggs former landlady of The George, Hadleigh celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends at Sydney Brown Court. Thankyou everyone for making it a special day.

Profit From Our Experience

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS SERVICING OUR CLIENTS

Hadleigh History on your Doorstep The Hadleigh Archive

The Hadleigh Archive, from which the ‘Picture of the Month’ is sourced, was also used for the recent two-day exhibition in the Guildroom and titled ‘Hadleigh Revisited’..Staged by the volunteers of the Hadleigh Archive Group, who transcribe and catalogue the collection, the power of an image was well in evidence. A photograph can instantly convey a sense of place, an event or some association to the recent or long past.

People, known or unknown, is another area of the power of the photograph, their dress, the look shown on a face, all can invoke a link to someone’s past at that time. Such was the outcome to the many who visited the exhibition to experience just what effects a range of photographs of our town can produce. This photograph of some of the group, with he Town Mayor, will itself in the future be part of the story of Hadleigh, and be a part of the Hadleigh Archive. The Hadleigh Archive is administered by the Hadleigh Town Council. The Guildhall, Market Place, Hadleigh IP3 5DN. A team of experienced volunteers look after the Hadleigh Archive and meet on a regular basis to catalogue transcribe its loarge number of documents and images.

Visitors are welcome by appointment only.

Email: hadleigharchive@gmail.com Tel: 01473 823884

Thankyou

Ron and Sylvia Barton would like to thank everyone that contributed to their 60th Wedding Anniversary on March 2nd , it made for a wonderful celebration of many happy years spent in Hadleigh with so many friends and lovely family They have seen so many changes in our ever growing Town, and am sure they look forward to meeting both old and new residents to have a nice chat with in the future.

Best wishes to everyone that knows us, Ron and Sylvia

Hadleigh Swimming Club Merger

After many years of running as two successful swimming clubs, Hadleigh Dolphins and Sudbury Storms have joined forces and are soon to become ‘Hadleigh & Sudbury Swimming Club’. The club trains at both the Hadleigh and Sudbury pools with various sessions across the week catering for swimmers from a broad range of ages and abilities. We are always happy to welcome new swimmers to the club, from both locations and the many villages in between. Due to the successful amalgamation and expansion of the clubs, we are looking for new coaches to work alongside our current coaching team, delivering high quality sessions to help further stretch our swimmers. If this is of interest, please contact the club (hadleighscinfo@gmail.com).

The start of a new calendar year always brings much excitement with the Suffolk County Championships, held at Crown Pools, Ipswich. Twelve swimmers achieved the qualifying times for a total of 65 races between them. In addition to this we were able to enter relay teams for both males and females across every age group.

The County Championships started with the long-distance races, held at UEA Norwich. Byron Miller represented the club, competing in the 800m Freestyle. A fantastic swim, achieving 2nd place, a new PB and bringing home the club’s first medal of the Counties. The following weekend saw the club represented by several swimmers across a multitude of events. Alexandra, Byron, Chloe, Christopher, Emma, Emily, Georgia, Nell, Olivia, Sebastian and Sophie swam in a host of different races. Several swimmers competed in more than one race in each session, demonstrating their competitive nature and determination. Many of the swimmers swam PB’s with some achieving Regional qualifying times. All swimmers finished in the top 10 for at least one of their events across the weekend.

The weekend saw medals for Sophie achieving silver in the 100m IM, silver in the 50m Freestyle, silver in the 200m IM, gold in the 50m Backstroke and gold in the 200m Backstroke. Byron achieved a silver in the 50m Butterfly. After a week of well-deserved rest, the swimmers were back in the pool ready to race again. The swimming club had another great weekend with swimmers making finals and achieving PB’s, again with some making the Regional qualifying times. The weekend brought medals for Christopher with bronze in the 50m Freestyle. Sophie walked away with bronze in the 100m Freestyle, silver in the 50m Butterfly and bronze in the 200m Freestyle. Chloe finished with a bronze in the 50m Butterfly.

The final weekend of racing saw two Hadleigh swimmers compete in the 400m Freestyle. Both achieving excellent PB’s and qualifying for the regional Championship later this year, fantastic effort from Byron and Emily. The County Championships finished in style with team relays. We were represented by a broad range of experienced swimmers and for some, their first experience of competitive swimming. All demonstrating great teamwork and determination. The female 10/11 team comprising of Alexandra, Evie, Olivia, Roseanna and Sophie came away with a gold in the Medley relay and a silver in the Freestyle relay.

During the Suffolk Championships swimmers accrue points, which are awarded for times achieved, with the top five races counting for each swimmer. The club had four swimmers finish in the top ten in the county for their age. Sophie (11yrs) finished in third place , Chloe (14 yrs) finished in tenth, Emily (16 yrs) finished in seventh place and Byron (12 yrs) finished in fifth.

All swimmers should be exceptionally proud of themselves for what they have achieved individually and as a team over the last four weekends. As a club we now turn the focus back to training ready for the next galas in March and April.

Sheila Porter

Passed away 10th February 2022

A year has passed. Our love for you will never die. Michael, Asa, Rick and Sonia and Grandson Dylan.

Hadleigh Town Council

Thursday 19th January 2023 at 7pm held in The Grand Hall, Hadleigh Town Hall, Market Place, Hadleigh

Present Councillors Beggerow, Gower, McLeod (chair), Monks, Pryor, Roberts, Schleip, Wilson and Wiltshire.

In Attendance Town Clerk and 3 members of public (and 5 people via Zoom)

Welcome The Chair welcomed everyone and advised that the Council, members of the public and press may record/film or broadcast the meeting, when the press and public are not lawfully excluded. Any member of the public who attends the meeting is advised that the Town Council cannot control 3rd party recording. The Town Council will record the meeting.

Councillor Beggerow read out a statement regarding a recent Code of Conduct complaint.

The Chair advised the meeting that the Town Clerk has withdrawn agenda items 16 & 17.

Apologies Apologies for absence were received from Councillors ShearlySanders, Talbot, and Loftus.

Approval of absence Proposed by Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor Gower the absence of Councillors Shearly-Sanders, Talbot and Loftus were approved. Vote = 8 For, 0 Against, 1 Abstain

Declarations of Interest Councillor Wilson declared an interest in all agenda items from agenda item HTC22.481 to HTC22.508.

Councillor Wiltshire declared a non-registrable interest in HTC22.503 –Complaint Review. Councillor Pryor declared a non-registrable interest in HTC22.503 Complaint Review due to the complainant emailing her direct so does not wish to be involved. Councillor Roberts declared a non-registrable interest in HTC22.503– Complaint Review.

Dispensations There was no consideration of dispensations.

Minutes from meeting 15th December 2022 Proposed by Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor Wiltshire it was agreed to add a sentence to the point of order following HTC22.445 to clarify this should refer to a Code of Conduct rather than just Standing Order 14D. Vote = 5 For, 1 Against, 3 Abstain. Proposed by Councillor Wiltshire, seconded by Councillor Roberts it was agreed to add a sentence at the start of HTC22.454 to state that it was queried why Councillor Beggerow was remaining in the room for this discussion, that the Town Clerk had stated that Councillor Beggerow had declared an interest and a question was then asked about what the nature of the interest was. A recorded vote was requested 4 For (Councillors Gower, Mcleod, Roberts and Wiltshire), 2 Against (Councillors Wilson and Schleip), 3 Abstain (Councillors Beggerow, Monks and Pryor). Proposed by Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor Wiltshire it was agreed to add an additional line to the above to state that the Chair had said that it was not for the Council to decide whether Councillor Beggerow should remain in the room. A recorded vote was requested 3 For (Councillors Mcleod, Roberts and Wiltshire), 2 Against (Councillors Wilson and Schleip), 4 Abstain (Councillors Beggerow, Gower, Monks and Pryor). Proposed by Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor Wiltshire, it was agreed to approve the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday the 15th December 2022 subject to the agreed amendments.

Vote= 6 For, 0 Against, 3 Abstain

Reports The report from the Suffolk County Council Ward Councillor was noted.

Public Forum A member of the public said that the 9 month accounts should be shown differently as they are compared to a 12 month budget and not a 9 month budget. Also has concerns regarding the budget and the figures used for the cemetery.

A member of the public spoke regarding HTC22.485 – Vegetation cutting on A1071. As requested at the Community meeting in December he and another person have been out and taken photos of all the signage in the town and prepared a document for us to copy and hand back.

01473 823092

17/19

A member of the public spoke about the Recruitment Process Review Panel report and how this was dealt with. Believes that the sexual discrimination should have been reported and suggests an independent investigation.

Payment Schedules Proposed by Councillor Pryor, seconded by Councillor Beggerow the schedule of invoices received was noted and it was agreed to approve any payments over £1,000 that have not previously been agreed. In alignment with the adopted Financial Regulations, all payments under £500 are approved by the RFO, as are items between £500 and £1,000 with clearance of the Chairman of the Council or Chairman of the appropriate committee. Vote = 9 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain.

Accounts for period 1st April 2022 to 31st December 2022 Proposed by Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor Pryor it was agreed to receive the accounts for the period 1st April 2022 to 31st December 2022. Vote = 8 For, 1 Abstain, 0 Against

Budget Proposed by Councillor McLeod, seconded by Councillor Beggerow a motion was proposed ‘To agree version 4a of the budget for 23/24. After a vote the motion was agreed. Vote = 9 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain. Proposed by Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor Beggerow the above motion was agreed. A recorded vote was requested 7 For (Councillors Beggerow, Gower, McLeod, Monks, Pryor, Schleip and Wilson) 2 Against (Councillors Wiltshire and Roberts), 0 Abstain

Precept 2023/24

Proposed by Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor Beggerow a motion was proposed ‘To agree to set the precept for 23/24 as £417,078.00 (equivalent to 24p per month increase for a Band D property). After a vote the motion was agreed. Vote = 9 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain. Proposed by Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor Beggerow the above motion was agreed. Vote = 7 For, 2 Against, 0 Abstain.

Trees Proposed by Councillor Gower, seconded by Councillor McLeod it was agreed to spend £3370 on tree works required at Cemetery, Corks Lane Play Area, and Bridge Street Allotments as per the tree survey. Vote = 9 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain.

Vegetation Cutting A1071

Proposed by Councillor McLeod, seconded by Councillor Gower it was agreed to contribute up to £2862.84 towards the cost of cutting back vegetation on the A1071 with the other 50% being funded by Councillor Fraser’s locality budget. Vote = 7 For, 2 Against, 0 Abstain.

Action – Councillor McLeod to write to Suffolk Highways expressing our disappointment in the scope of their statutory works which does not extend to cutting back vegetation from signage.

Invest in Hadleigh The update regarding Invest in Hadleigh was noted. The minutes of the meeting of 15th December 2022 have been circulated.

Grant Evaluation Forms The grant evaluation form from Suffolk Young Carers was noted.

Youth Council Creation Proposed by Councillor Gower, seconded by Councillor Beggerow it was agreed to create a Youth Council by the Town Clerk and Projects & Finance Officer working with Hadleigh High School and following the process set out in the accompanying documentation.

Vote = 9 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain

Youth Council Handbook Proposed by Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor Gower it was agreed to approve the handbook document. Vote = 9 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain

Youth Council Terms of Reference Proposed by Councillor McLeod, seconded by Councillor Gower the Youth Council’s Terms Of Reference was agreed. Vote = 9 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain.

Councillor Nomination – Youth Council Proposed by Councillor McLeod, seconded by Councillor Monks it was agreed to appoint 3 Councillors (Councillor Gower, Beggerow and Pryor) to be part of the Youth Council (subject to a successful DBS check). Vote = 9 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain DBS Checks Proposed by Councillor Gower, seconded by Councillor McLeod it was agreed for up to 15 councillors and 5 members of staff to have an enhanced DBS check at a cost of £760 (against the Youth Strategy budget line). The check is not mandatory but any members and staff not wishing to allow a check will not be able to work with young people on the youth council and their projects. Vote = 9 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain.

Meeting suspended at 8:36pm

Meeting reconvenes at 8:40pm

Carbon Footprint Dashboard The carbon footprint dashboard of the Council and accompanying commentary was noted. The working document has been independently verified by an Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) board member. Updates will be brought to council to note on a quarterly basis. There is currently no known benchmark or accessible data from other parish councils to compare against, but we will continue to compare ourselves to these own baseline emissions as time goes by.

Speed Indicator Devices Proposed by Councillor McLeod, seconded by Councillor Gower it was agreed for the Projects & Finance Officer to investigate and apply for new SID positions to Suffolk Highways. Vote = 9 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain.

ROSPA Report The ROSPA report was noted. The recommendation of a resistance test has been conducted and the outcome was that one post had significant decay and needs to be replaced, the play equipment has been

fenced off and the work to replace the post has been scheduled for 23rd January 2023

Member of the public entered the room at 8.51pm

Election of Councillor – HMFC Committee Proposed by Councillor McLeod, seconded by Councillor Gower it was agreed to elect Councillor Monks to the Hadleigh Market Feoffment Charity Committee. Vote = 7 For, 0 Against, 2 Abstain.

Election of Councillor – Climate Change Emergency & Environment Subcommittee There were no nominations to this Sub-committee.

Election of Councillor – Armed Forces Covenant Champion

Proposed by Councillor McLeod, seconded by Councillor Beggerow it was agreed to elect Councillor McLeod as the Armed Forces Covenant Champion.

Vote = 9 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain.

Suspension of Standing Order 7 This item was withdrawn.

Review of Decisions This item was withdrawn.

Exclusion of the press and public

Proposed by Councillor McLeod, seconded by Councillor Gower it was agreed to exclude of the press and public in pursuance of Section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 the Press and the Public shall be excluded for the next items of business on the grounds that it is likely to be prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

Vote = 9 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain

Confidential Session: Exclusion Of The Press And Public

Councillors Pryor, Roberts and Wiltshire left the room at 9.01pm. Town Clerk left the meeting at 9.03pm

Suspension of Standing Order 7 It was agreed to suspend Standing Order 7 to allow the next item of business to be discussed. Vote = 6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain

Complaint Review The complaint was reviewed. Vote = 6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain. Councillors Pryor, Roberts and Wiltshire returned to the room at 9.45pm

The Town Clerk returned to the room at 9.46pm. Minutes (Confidential Session) The minutes of the confidential session on 15th December 2022 were approved. Vote = 6 For, 0 Against, 3 Abstain Staffing Update The Staffing update was noted.

Future meetings The next scheduled meeting will be on Thursday 16th February 2023 at 7pm.

Close of Meeting The meeting closed at 9:47pm.

Wendy Brame, Town Clerk, 25th January 2023

HADLEIGH ANNUAL TOWN MEETING

will be held at St Mary’s Church Church Street, Hadleigh on MONDAY 22nd MAY 2023 at 7.00 pm

All residents are most welcome to attend this open meeting. It is your chance to raise an issue directly with the Town Council, about things you would like to see done, done better or not done at all.

If you wish to have an issue relating to the town discussed at the meeting, please contact the Town Council Office by Friday 12th May 2023 so that your item can be included on the Agenda. (townclerk@hadleightowncouncil.gov.uk or 01473 823884)

Councillor gordon McLeod, Town Mayor

Hadleigh Community Forum

Tuesday 14 March 2023

1 Welcome: The Chair welcomed everyone

2 Report Of The Last Meeting: Accepted

3 Matters Arising: None

4 The Porch Project James Buckle and Neil Fox kindly gave their time to update the meeting on what is happening with the Porch Project which has very recently become a brand within Inspire Suffolk, a local charity working throughout the county, giving many exciting opportunities for the future of the Project. Despite this merger, the Porch Project is still fully committed to Hadleigh and Gt Cornard. Of the seven Trustees on the Board, two are from the Porch Project. The name will remain as it is a strong brand which the young people have owned and have all bought into it and helped with the design work. Inspire is a more commercially based project but Porch will remain free at point of engagement

Porch has grown to the extent that it needs extensive back-office support with a CEO, financial experts and administrators and this can now be undertaken with the Inspire team, leaving Porch to do what they were set up to do – put youthworkers on the ground. Aims remain the same: to create relationships that build skills and confidence and overcome adversity. There will be two full time youthworkers for Porch with access for outreach work to another 8-10 youthworkers across the county from the Inspire team.

The brand name will be retained as it is well known and although longstanding perceptions of it being a project to deal manly with troubled youngsters, James was keen to make it clear that it was for all youngsters, not just the “naughty”. It is fully inclusive and now, with Inspire behind it, can assist a wider range of ages from 5 to 25. The primary focus is still drop-in sessions and in-school support. Drop-in sessions are at 28a High Street on a Friday night for 11-19 year olds (55 attended last week) and three schools (Hadleigh High School, Thomas Gainsborough in Gt Cornard and a school in Sudbury) are visited once a week and it is hoped to raise this to two days. Youngsters are being empowered to speak up about things that concern them, and to work in their communities. Porch youthworkers are not mental health workers but Inspire has qualified mental first aiders so the next level of help is now available.

The Porch Project’s mobile Youth Van will start going out again in the coming weeks to visit as many new areas and smaller communities as possible to engage with youngsters who find it difficult to come into Hadleigh or Great Cornard. Hygiene supplies are still available which assists with the cost of living crisis.

A National Lottery grant of £480,000 over five years has been received for Hadleigh and Gt Cornard and despite good funding and a fully stable background, help from the local communities is always needed and volunteers are always welcomed.

5 Standard Updates

5.1 Hadleigh Town Council (HTC) No report.

5.2 Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Council (BDC) Digital skills sessions, monthly, launched in Hadleigh Library. More information on BDC website Active living - strength and balance programme – can be accessed by referral from your GP for residents with a long term health condition. If eligible, access to the programme is free.

Suffolk Walking Festival starts on 13 May for two weeks with over 70 walks. “Sudbury to Hadleigh” walk (15 miles, £15) 15 May at 9am. “Walking with Trees” – Hadleigh - (1 mile, £5) 15 May at 11am and “Hadleigh Past & Present” (1 mile, £5) 23 May at 11am.

Organisations needing Mental Health First Aider training, free sessions April 18 & 25 and May 2 & 9, both 1-5pm. Limited places, contact Bethany Taylor 01449 724881.

Elections: Photo ID needed to vote. If you do not have one, apply for a certificate from Babergh. If anyone is able to help Kathryn Grandon with leaflet distribution, please contact her.

Extra Markets on Saturdays will be on 22 April and 10 June.

New website “Heart of Suffolk” to be launched, will complement VisitHadleigh, not compete with it.

5.3 Visit Hadleigh Tourism Strategy Presentation by VisitHadleigh at the Leisure Centre on 28 March, 6pm All welcome but please let Jane or Stuart know for catering purposes. Website funded for a further year, supported by

The Friends of St. Mary’s Church Hadleigh

YEARLY MEETING

Friday 21st April 2023 at 6.30 pm in St. Mary’s Church

The Very Rev’d Jo Delfgou will present an update on plans for the Church and the Deanery Tower

A short business meeting will precede the talk Wine, soft drinks and nibbles will be served

HTC, including Public Liability insurance for the Town Guides who are participating in the Walking Festival. Someone willing to water the hanging baskets this year (May to September) is needed. This is a paid role. Please contact Stuart. Community Gardeners would welcome volunteers when weather eases, up to help refresh the Cedric Morris garden in Magdalen Road. Grateful thanks to HTC for their grant of £1.5k for planting.

5.4 Hadleigh & Boxford Patient Participation Group (PPG) The report was given to the meeting and can be found in the PPG column in each month’s Hadleigh Community News.

5.5 St Marys Church Pop-Up meals have a regular attendance of c.120. Many thanks to HTC for their grant to help with heating and food and the private donations that have been made towards equipment and heating. The sense of community and numbers of volunteers offering help, at these events is phenomenal. There will be two events in the school holidays on 5 and 12 April. Ukrainian lessons in English continue with a large and grateful group attending from throughout Babergh, not just Hadleigh. Thanks offered to the Thrift shop for providing furniture etc when flats are found for them. The Forest Schools have taken off in a big way and the Deanery Gardens are being well utilised by them and others. Delighted that Friends of St Mary’s has a new Chair, Gordon McLeod, freeing Fr Jo up from a conflict of interest.

Huge thanks offered to Frank Minns who is organising Hidden Gardens of Hadleigh this year (3 June) which promises to be another great event. Anyone willing to open their garden (of any size and type) please contact Frank or Jess. Funding has been secured from Friends of St Mary’s to refurbish the Library (Dean’s Study) in the Deanery Tower. The two original paintings are returned from storage and work is underway to restock it with books including a large collection from Joyce Willis and Mark Gladwell. We look forward to being able to re-instate tours of the Tower.

The plans for reordering of St Mary’s progress – various applications (faculties) are in for approval and we are looking to finalise the type of heating and lighting that we will have. Conservators are currently looking at paint and woodwork in the Vestry before work can continue in there.

Bishop Martin is coming to take the service on 30 April and we are delighted to have a Priest in Training in Layham.

Diary Date: 8 July 12 noon to 4pm for our family-oriented Deanery Fete with BBQ and Dog Show, many garden games, face painting, competitions, raffle, craft stalls and more.

5.6 HEAT (Hadleigh Environmental Action Team) Generous donations from Kathryn Grandon’s and Mick Fraser’s budgets have meant that equipment purchased for the Forest Schools can now be used by others following in HEAT’s footsteps. A talk on an update of monitoring of the River Brett will take place at the Baptist Church on 27 April 7.30pm. The Campaign group and the Wildlife Corridor Group continue. Volunteers always welcomed.

5.7 Cost Of Living Concerns The simple energy saving measures initiative is drawing to a natural end. The Repair Café, run so well by Wendy and Marta, was a huge success and those offering their skills were greatly appreciated. Another is planned for 15 April.

5.8 Hadleigh Men’s Shed: Delighted to report it is going from strength to strength. Some wonderful donations and a healthy bank balance to purchase some vital items. Thanks were offered to Councillors Grandon and Fraser for very helpful assistance from their budgets. The Shed’s first AGM will be in April. Their first newsletter is attached to these notes.

6 A O B

6.1 Citizen’s Advice will be in the Community Room in the Leisure Centre at 2pm on 28 March

6.2 Benton End will have a new representative from the next meeting as Jo Wiltcher will be moving on. It will be a Standard Update item on the Agenda. They will soon be advertising that there is a bursary for a trainee gardener and their new Head Gardener, James Horner, has started with them

6.3 Hadleigh Pool & Leisure joined in with the national swim event and managed a staggering 209,000 meters swum in a day. Use of their social space is encouraged with any new ideas – eg. a book club or social group or hobbies group.

6.4 Stuart reported that the hugely popular Drag Bingo evening(sold out !) is being repeated as part of his fund raising for SeeAbility, supporting people with learning difficulties or autism and may also have sight loss. The meeting closed at 5.54pm NEXT MEETING: Tuesday 11 April 2023 @ 4:15pm. Hadleigh Pool and Leisure. Chair: Richard Fletcher

WHATFIELD CARPET BOWLS OPEN NIGHT

Come along and give it a try!!

Tuesday 4th April 2023 at 7.30pm

Whatfield Village Hall, Rectory Lane, Whatfield, IP76QZ

Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with us - This evening is a chance for you to have a go! We are a happy, friendly club looking for new members

BOOK SALE

Sunday 14th May 2023 11pm to 4pm

Layham Village Hall, Lower Layham IP7 5LY St. Andrews Church Plant Sale and Cream Teas 2-4pm

Proceeds to the church

Adult Fiction: thriller, crime, detective, romance - well known authors. Non-Fiction: Many categories. Specialist interest books from a private collection. Children’s Books: All ages.

Profits from book sales to Layham Village Hall (Charity Number 294007) towards upkeep of the hall. £1 entry, children free. Cash only please.

Robert Kenneth Grimsey

Evie and family would like to thank everyone for their flowers, cards and kind words of condolence following the death of Robert on Thursday 2nd March. A sad time for all who knew and loved him, such a kind and loving man.

The service will take place on, Wednesday 5th April, 11:00am at the Guildroom Hadleigh, followed by a brief committal at Seven Hills crematorium, Ipswich at 12:45 pm. Refreshments will be at the Guildhall dining room in the afternoon. Those who wish to attend would be very welcome. Alternatively, we will leave Homefield, Boxford, approximately 10:30am, if you wish to ‘wave him off’.

Julian Fincham-Jacques

Report by District Cllr Dr Siân Dawson

Hadleigh North Ward

Dear Residents, my latest update on local news…

• Layham Road Sports Ground - The S106 Agreement dated 8 November 2022 Rose Manor (Persimmons Hadleigh Phase 2 development) will include an obligation to pay a commuted financial sum as a Sports Facilities Contribution. That sum is of £98,250 and it is to be sent on the provision of sports facilities* or related improvements to the Layham Road Sports Ground. The request for such a sum was related to expanding rugby facilities in Town (Hadleigh Rugby Club) with a cascade if the money wasn’t required for that use. The S106 requires the Sports Facilities Contribution to be paid to Babergh District Council prior to Commencement of the Development.

• Babergh’s Councils’ Building Services / Social Housing - are taking steps to improve performance and have self-referred to the Regulator of Social Housing. External specialists were brought in during the latter part of 2022 to work alongside permanent officers to carry out deep dive diagnostic work of key areas in Building Services and to support a Transformation and Improvement Programme that would lead to sustainable, long-term change to address the root of issues. It was the in-depth assessment of compliance that identified Babergh were not fully meeting their health and safety obligations and, as responsible landlords, Babergh voluntarily referred themselves to the Regulator of Social Housing. Detailed investigations showed that a proportion of homes were not compliant. The situation in Babergh is: 116 do not have an up-to-date electrical safety report; 72 are overdue a gas safety inspection; 32 are overdue asbestos re-inspection surveys. I was somewhat surprised, as private Landlords would not be able to rent out legally properties without electrical safety reports.

• Corks Lane Development - It has become evident that the Independents, Greens and Labour currently running the Corks Lane and Housing are unable to deliver these sort of projects for our community in a timely and efficient manner. Whilst it will be eventually completed, the constant delays will only incur probably significantly more loans and further expense to local residents or reduced quality at completion. These large-scale housing projects require professional management and proper decision making, which the Conservatives can and have previously delivered working closely with the developers, as I had to with the McCarthy Stone development, Hadleigh Pool and Angel Court and the Manor Gardens nature area, which I personally ensured the riverside walk and nature site was completed when complications arose following COVID. The Rainbow Coalition and Cabinet fail to accept a common sense approach in my view and it seems blatantly obvious this development was going to have complications.

The Royal British Legion

All are welcome in our family friendly Club, and when you become a member you can take advantage of our Members discount on drinks, entry for entertainment and hall hire!!!

We have two snooker tables available as well as our pool table. Bingo is on every Thursday evening from 7pm with a 7.30pm start, cash prizes guaranteed!!!

All SKY SPORTS event are available on our bar televisions and our 110inc projector screen!!!

We have a kid’s crafting session on the 1st Saturday of every month with different themes each time.

Every other Sunday we hold our very popular meat raffle, £2.50 for a strip of tickets with the draw being held between 2pm and 3pm.

UPCOMING ENTERTAINMENT and EVENTS in April

Good Friday 7th April – Karaoke

Saturday 8th April – Kids craft – Easter Bonnet Competition 3pm till 5pm

Kids Chocolate Bingo – 6pm start

Mark the Sax player – from 9.30pm

Easter Sunday 9th April – Easter Raffle and Live Music from 1pm

Saturday 15th April – Quiz Night – with Leanne

Sunday 16th April – Meat Raffle

Saturday 22nd April – Blue Mean Eyes

Sunday 30th April – Meat Raffle

Hall Hire upon request (free for members £70 non-members)

Email: rblchadleigh@gmail.com or call 01473 824874

Facebook: Hadleigh Royal British Legion

Community

on 01473 823366

• Corks Lane Trees - Following my urgent enquiry as to why more trees were being removed at such sort notice next to the Corks Lane Bridge, the Tree Officer sent photos of the extent of the decay and bracket fungus, which has significantly contributed to the decline of the trees since their survey in 2018. In addition there is significant dead wood within two of the Willow trees along with ‘hollow sounding’ main stems which were peppered with wood decaying bracket fungus from ground level to a height of approx. 3-4m. In addition the dead Willow tree was missing a significant area of bark. Their location and proximity to the Public footpaths in conjunction with the current site layout of Heras fencing around the new car park layout, essentially concentrated Public access between trees which were clearly a risk. The officer advised me his priority is to safeguard Public Safety and immediately set about instructing a Tree Contractor to undertake their removal to avoid injury or death.

• Careers Fair - Our Conservative MP James Cartlidge helped to organise and host an outstanding Careers Fair in Hadleigh. I attended with a couple of young students and we visited each stand. The businesses were very proactive and the event was really well attended. All representatives from NHS Health, Ipswich Football, the services to the arts were represented. Thank you to all those who took the time to attend and advise our young people on the various career opportunities and apprenticeships available. As a lifelong Conservatives, I have endeavoured with Cllr Fraser to provide financial assistance from our Locality Budgets to support our local societies such as HADS, Food Bank fridges and freezer, Hadleigh Cricket Club, Hadleigh Angling Society, the Christmas Lunch and Christmas Present Trust lunch, Hadleigh in Bloom, Hadleigh Lighting up 6th Dec, Hadleigh Sea Scouts, Hadleigh Dementia Alliance. It has been a great privilege for us to work so closely with local causes.

Lastly, to those of you may be moving this summer, I cannot recommend the services of ‘On the Move’ a local and highly efficient small removal company who I must say provide excellent service inexpensively. ]All my father’s furniture arrived safely undamaged…Do read their advert in this months magazine.

May I take this opportunity of thanking all the residents of Hadleigh North for their continued support over the last four years and please, any concerns I have an ‘Open Door’ policy any time, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Cllr Dr Siân Dawson, sian.dawson@babergh.gov.uk 07931 703157

Please write to: Kelvin Avis 68 High Street, Hadleigh, Ipswich IP7 5EF or email: kelvin@keithavis.co.uk

Dear Sir,

Through your publication we would like to thank the new owners of Partridges for their decision to decorate the blank windows over Christmas and with the interesting shop interiors at the present time. This does make the street scene bright and cheerful rather than just looking at empty window spaces. It may be a while before the building is restored but this at least gives us all hope that this lovely building will once again offer something exciting for Hadleigh residents.

Ken and Maureen Nichols

Dear Sir,

In reply to Alan Ferguson's letter in the March edition, is he really surprised that Babergh District Council, their Cabinet and their Councillors are remaining as quiet as possible about the luxury retirement homes being rebuilt on the Corks Lane site? According to Suffolk CC they have 188 Staff on salaries ranging from £170,000 to £50,000 (www.suffolk.gov.uk/council-anddemocracy/open-data-suffolk/council-data-and-transparency/council-salaries)

All of which we, the public, are paying for with our ever increasing council taxes, Whereas Babergh DC have 17 Staff on salaries ranging from £70,000 to £50,000 (www.babergh.gov.uk/assets/Finance/Babergh/Babergh-DCStatement-of-Accounts-2021-22). When you look at the breakdown of your Council tax bill 66% goes to SCC, 9% to BDC, 9.5% SCC Adult Social Care, 13% to the Police & Crime Commissioner and 2.5% to the Parish Council (www.babergh.gov.uk/council-tax-and-parish-charges). From these figures it is not hard to see that the salaries form a major part of our council tax bill, therefore I ask why does Babergh DC have borrowings of £93.8 Million (www.babergh.gov.uk/assets/Finance/Babergh/Babergh-DC-Statement-ofAccounts-2021-22. Page 51) and think that they are property developers?

Robert Gales

Dear Sir,

I feel I should respond to the election advert from Conservative candidate Alan Ferguson in the recent editions of HCN because Mr. Ferguson makes some promises that I'm sure he knows can't be delivered and he also makes some inaccurate claims.

The commitment to ‘exploring a move of the district council offices out of Ipswich’ is clearly worded in a way that leaves a lot of scope for ensuring this goes no further. The Conservative party I knew prided itself on careful management of public finances. Uncosted, unfunded promises that would deliver a reduced service should be anathema to Mr. Ferguson. To quote from a speech our MP made in parliament last year in reference to Liz Truss's policies: 'when you promise stuff and not say how you will pay for it, or make difficult decisions, it is populism'.

The next commitment is to ‘restore the Hadleigh and Sudbury access points’. This will come as a surprise to the Babergh staff who have always run the access points (these two and another in Shotley) – a service that has never been stopped.

Mr. Ferguson wants to introduce a Babergh app/residents’ card for perks including free parking. Are we to assume that those who don’t want an app or to be on another database won’t get free parking? This will, in effect, create two classes of resident: those who will be allowed 3 hours free parking and those who will have to pay.

I now want to challenge the commitment to ‘scrap the draft local plan which was rejected by the government inspector’. I can assure everyone that it was not rejected and, by the time you read this, the modifications required by the

inspectors will have been completed and part 1 of the plan will be out for the final 6-week consultation, prior to adoption by council towards the end of the Summer. Scrapping it is neither sensible – it would waste seven years of work – nor feasible. The government wants to ensure that this doesn't happen, which is why there is a section in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill that explicitly prevents withdrawal of a plan that has reached the examination stage, unless the inspectors or the LU Secretary direct withdrawal. Finally, the promise to press for a dedicated housing plan for Hadleigh. This is not a Babergh responsibility and Mr. Ferguson should know that the town council has already started a Neighbourhood Plan for the town and responsibility for developing this now rests with them. So, nothing to press for here.

Yours sincerely, John

Ward

Dear Sir,

Thank you all to the following people who saved my husbands life. The ambulance that arrived, followed by a fire engine and aerial appliance, and the police who closed the road. He was very seriously ill when the ambulance arrived. The communication between all who helped was exceptional. Mark is now at home after two weeks in Ipswich hospital.

Clare Dawson

Dear Sir,

The Hadleigh Town council Archives group thank all of you that attended our exhibition 'Hadleigh Revisited' and for your positive comments. All of your comments have been noted and will be recorded in the catalogue. We also thank those of you that have, or have promised to, lend us photographs and documents to add to the Archives.

Our group of volunteers have been cataloguing Hadleigh's wealth of historic documents for some 25 years, and as well as thousands of documents, including medieval documents which some of the group have transcribed into modern English, we also have some 6,000 photographs. A few years ago we suddenly realised that we were at risk of loosing the 20th Century but as the Exhibition showed we are now recording more recent history. Hadleigh is fortunate to have such an Archive in the Town and for the Town's history to continue to be catalogued for the future. Although the Archives are not open for general 'browsing' we help with people with specific enquiries and projects. Unfortunately we can not help with family histories or house enquiries. Again, thank you for your support.

The Town council Archives Group

Margaret Laws 1924 - 2023

It is with great sadness we report the death of Margaret Laws on 26th February 2023. Margaret moved to Hadleigh after she and Jack, her husband, had retired from farming in Hertfordshire about 40 years ago. Margaret and her husband soon became passionately involved with their garden, which Margaret continued to care for, to a very high standard, with the help of gardeners, until her dying day. She opened the garden to the public once a year for the enjoyment of all and was always willing to share plants and advice. Her other love was her art. Although she had no formal training she was helped and inspired by professional artists whose classes she followed. Margaret often pictorially recorded many of the overseas holidays enjoyed by her and her husband Jack, who also painted well. Her continuing poise and mobility can be attributed to her years as a classical ballet teacher and daily swims at the Leisure Centre, where she swam until she was 96 years old.

She will be greatly missed, especially by her sons and their families and by her many friends but her legacy lives on as she inspired so many. There will be an opportunity to celebrate Margaret’s life on 22nd April from 10.30 – 12.30 in the Library Room in Hadleigh. Coffee and cakes will be served.

For further details contact Doreen on 07786 916134 or Mary on 01473 652632.

Hadleigh Cricket Club

The cricket season is drawing ever closer, and our senior sides have been working on their skills at our winter net sessions.

The next few weeks will see a flurry of activity at the ground, as various parties come together to ensure that everything is place - from rolling the pitch to getting the nets ready for outdoor training. The new decking is looking fantastic, and we look forward to welcoming some of our valued sponsors and the local community to our first game of the season on 15th April, when it will be officially opened. The first XI begin their campaign against Mildenhall, and this kicks off a summer of cricket with a home match every Saturday. There is no fee to come and watch, and non-members are welcome.

If you have not visited the club before, come along to our open day on 7th April, 10-2 to see what we have to offer both on and off the field. We are also holding a junior information evening on Friday 21st April at 7pm.

New for 2023, we are offering the opportunity to support the club by purchasing a social membership. For just £25 per person, you can enjoy discounted drinks at the bar, invitations to our social events and regular newsletter updates. Visit www.hadleighcricketclub.com, or email our Social Manager Claire hccsocial@gmail.com for further information.

We look forward to welcoming you to Friars Road soon!

Above the Parapet

Cllr Mick Fraser - Suffolk County Council

Babergh District Council – Hadleigh South

Hadleigh’s Locality Budget Every year I am allocated an £8,000.00 to spend on projects which benefit us here in Hadleigh through my Locality Budget. Although a proportion can roll-over to subsequent FY, I am always keen to commit all these funds to worthwhile projects, rather than see our money go unspent. I am keen to encourage the development of our young people, purchase tangible resources for organizations, and assist our businesses and economy. In the past 12-months I have been delighted to help support the following organizations with their projects and schemes:

Hadleigh Grand Feoffment Charity - £1,000.00 for two vital Automated External Defibrillator (AED) installed at both the George Street and Benton Street almshouses. The total cost for these AED was covered with matchfunding from the London Hearts charity and HGFC.

The Police Community Clubs of Great Britain - £591.50 towards internet safety training, pupil/guardian workbooks, and other resources for pupils at St Mary’s CofE and Beaumont Community Primary Schools. The training included internet safety with activities to help inform pupils about online bullying and misuse of gaming & social media, and wellbeing training highlighting the importance of mental health with activities to suggest coping methods and resilience.

Hadleigh & District Angling Society - £615.00 towards the purchase costs of a generator and welder. The generator will be principally used to respond to any emergency environmental issues as recommended by the Environment Agency. During prolonged warm and dry spells of weather, oxygen levels in a river or lake can drop to dangerously low levels for wildlife. This can be overcome by disturbing the surface using an aerator or pump to increase oxygen diffusion from the air into the water.

Suffolk Highways – After being contacted by residents living on Stone Street concerned about their safety, I committed £750.00 for the production of a Speed and Safety Report. This residential stretch of the A1141 has a speed limit of 40mph, but it does not meet the criteria to be reduced to a 30mph zone.

Hadleigh Men’s Shed Project – I was delighted to help pump-prime his project with £1,300.00 towards their equipment, tools, and insurances. The ambition here is to achieve a place to pursue practical interests at leisure, to practice skills and enjoy making and mending.

Hadleigh Cricket Club – I was delighted to provide £750.00 towards the annual subscriptions for the scores of junior members. With family finances being put under incredible strain currently with high inflationary pressures, I considered it vital to help these young players continue being involved with the club’s coaching programme and match schedules.

Babergh DC Innovate Local Market Scheme – I have committed £2,000.00 to continue funding this scheme which has seen impressive growth at our Friday market. This scheme offers new businesses a public presence in the town’s regular market for 4-weeks free, with all the equipment and support needed.

Bypass Vegetation Clearance – I am working with the Town Council in having Suffolk Highways cut back the vegetation along the A1071 bypass. We have both committed £1,500.00 to have overgrowth cleared to expose properly all the direction and information signage for the respective junctions. Should you have a project needing assistance, or help in procuring equipment for your organization, then please consider contacting me to see whether I can assist with monies from this budget allocation.

An Evening with James

Cartlidge and Will Quince

MP Following on from his outstanding Employment and Careers Fair last February, James came to talk to residents at a party fundraising event hosted in the Guildhall. He kindly brought along with him Colchester MP Will Quince, the Minister of State at Department of Health and Social Care. They spoke of the state of our economy, health service, and the challenges of delivering public sector wage increases. James explained how our economy would grow if only we could encourage another 50,000 into work, and Will delivered detailed explanations to questions concerning our NHS and social care provisions.

Councillor Surgery I hold my surgery on the third Saturday of the month with the next being at 11:00 on Saturday 15th April 2023 in the anti-room of the Royal British Legion Club, George Street.

Contact me at - email: mick.fraser@suffolk.gov.uk or mick.fraser@babergh.gov.uk; Tel: 0793 551 2591

2015-15Peugeot

1983Mercedes

2013-13Jaguar

CLASSIC CARS

SPORTS CAR

James and Will Quince with members of the Hadleigh Young Farmers

M S L Plumbing and Heating

Your local business DIRECTORY

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Bridge Farm Plants.................01449 740502

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Hadleigh Hairloom..................01473 822191

Ashleigh Hair Studio...............07921 509413

Double Take............................01473 552448

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Home Computer Services.......01473 829552

Vulcan Computer Services......07711 904439

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Press Gang.............................01473 558448

Newsagents

Keith Avis................................01473 823131

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Laxfield House.........01787 247340 / 247495

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Printers

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The Cock Inn Hadleigh............01473 941049

Royal Bengal...........................01473 823744