Hadleigh Community News, March 2023

Babergh Chairman raises thousands for Blossom Appeal

Hadleigh councillor and Chairman Cllr Grandon, who has undergone recent breast cancer treatment, raised £11,136 for the Blossom Appeal – helping to fund a new Breast Care Centre at Ipswich Hospital. The charity dinner last month saw 200 guests attend the Royal Hospital School for an evening of fun and fundraising. Cllr Grandon said: “Thank you to all the guests, sponsors and helpers for their generous support. It was a wonderful event and being able to raise so much for this a fantastic cause was amazing and a lot of fun too. “At this time last year, I was recovering from my third breast cancer operation, so being able to support the work of the Blossom Appeal in this way has been an honour. “I have been overwhelmed by the level of support this event has received. The contributions of time from the organising committee and the team has been fantastic. “Being able to raise over £11,000 in one night, is a fantastic response to the prizes donated by all our sponsors for some great raffle and auction prizes, including the star prize of a Valentines Night stay package at the Marquis Hotel, Upper Layham. “However, the evening was not just about raising funds. It was also about raising awareness and the importance of regular checks. The number of women I have met since the dinner that have told that they ‘have been checked’ has been really moving.”

Cllr Grandon will continue fundraising for her chosen charity for the remainder of her year in office, anyone wishing to support her can find more information here - www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bdcchairfundraising2022

17100 Community News Magazines are delivered during the first week of each month to homes and businesses in Hadleigh, Sudbury, Bildeston, Boxford, Chelsworth, Milden, Edwardstone, Groton, Hitcham, Kersey, Monks Eleigh, Long Melford, Whatfield, Elmsett, Hintlesham, Polstead, Lavenham, Newton Green & Raydon

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

Plan for the future, protect your interests and preserve your wealth

Property Life Interest Trust Wills are becoming increasingly popular among couples due to the desire to preserve family assets for younger generations. But many are not familiar with these types of Wills or realise their benefit until speaking with a solicitor.

Property Life Interest Trust Wills can be of particular benefit to couples considering planning for future care and preservation of assets. Specialist advice on Property Life Interest Trust Wills can provide for both protecting the financial position and living arrangements of the surviving spouse, as well as protecting assets for future generations. For couples with children from a previous relationship, Property Life Interest Trust Wills can also prove an effective legal solution.

Taking advice and making early decisions to plan effectively

It is often the case that a couple’s main asset is their family home, and many are conscious of this when considering planning their estate and inheritance for their loved ones. However, many couples can limit their ability to effectively plan and preserve their estate, or limit their available options for this, if planning their estate is left too late.

This is certainly the case in respect of how their home will be treated upon death. The earlier advice is sought, the better in this regard.

How your property is owned is important

Property can be held jointly in one of two ways. Property held as “Joint Tenants” will pass automatically to the surviving owner under survivorship rules whereas, property held as “Tenants in Common” will pass under the terms of a Will. For couples to effectively plan their estate, it is often necessary for their main residence to be owned as Tenants in Common, providing each with a % share ownership which can be directed into a Trust upon death. What is a Property Life Interest Trust Will and what does it do?

A solicitor is able to re-organise a couple's ownership of a property alongside preparing a Will for you, so as to ring fence each individual's property share in a Trust for future generations and identified beneficiaries. The surviving spouse/partner is protected by having a lifetime right of residence in the property and can be one of the trustees (managers) of the Trust. Therefore, the gift of your respective share in your principal residence at death is made to your trustees on trust and is subject to the surviving spouse/partner's right to live in the property for their lifetime. The Trust can be flexible in that the surviving spouse/partner will be able to move to another property using all or part of the value of the property.

Any surplus capital not used in the purchase of a new property can be invested and the income can be paid to the surviving spouse/partner for their lifetime. The surviving spouse or partner can decide to make gifts to the family if they do not need the surplus capital or income. Property Life Interest Trust Wills are very flexible, with the surviving spouse/partner even able to rent out the property and receive the rental income.

These types of Wills and arrangements can often be recommended where couples (married or unmarried) wish to plan for future care and preservation of assets for future generations and/or provide for children from a previous relationship, whilst at the same time providing security and peace of mind to the surviving spouse/partner.

Speak to an expert from Holmes & Hills Solicitors

It is always a good idea to take advice when thinking about planning for the future, planning your estate and planning for care. When considering whether Life Interest Trust Wills are appropriate for your circumstances and wishes, your solicitor will also consider your Inheritance Tax position. As mentioned, it is advisable to seek advice sooner rather than later to ensure all legal solutions and options remain available to you.

For expert advice on planning for the future, contact Holmes & Hills on 01787 275275 or email advice@holmes-hills.co.uk and speak with one of our specialists from your local Holmes & Hills office.

Thankyou Mayor

The trustees and Coordinator Sue, members and volunteers for Memories Café would like to thank the Mayor for choosing to support us this year. We meet every Thursday for those living with dementia and carers. We have enjoyed the Mayor Gordon McCloud, and his wife Carol visiting, and our members have got to know them both much better over the past months, building a good rapport.

This picture shows Gordon in the middle of a group of our members. We particularly thank the Mayor for the recent donation of £835 raised by a fun quiz night in the Guildhall. This money will go towards equipment for activities which will stimulate those living with dementia, as well as for invited entertainers or craft leaders. We are pleased to report that our numbers are growing, so it is useful to have this financial input to help support the lively crowd. Any future donations will be for the Ansell Centre Charity as a whole, in recognition of its support for all community activities in the Ansell Centre.

John Willis

Remembering John Willis (Tab’s) who passed away a year ago on March 27th. A dear brother, brother-in-law, dad, grandad and uncle. Our hearts ache whenever we think about you, miss you so much.

Marguerite xxxxx

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 subs are £5 and are 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 March 2023

07/03/2023: Onions family - garlic bulbs, red or white onions, shallots.

14/03/2023: Swans and ducks

21/03/2023: Primroses - hopefully they are flowering nearby

28/03/2023: Owls - try to catch the texture of the feathers

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

The Cost of Disposables

From birth to old age we use disposable nappies, period products and incontinence materials. Disposable nappies are one of the biggest contributors to plastic waste globally with a baby getting through as many as 5,000 nappies before they are potty trained. It’s not just nappies. Other personal products, such as period wear, are adding to the plastic epidemic with up to 2 billion menstrual items being flushed down Britain’s toilets every year causing sewage blockages and ending up in the sea.

A year’s worth of period products has a carbon footprint of 5.3Kg CO2 equivalent. As well as the costs to the planet these items are costly for women and families too. Disposable nappies can cost on average £825 per baby and on average a woman will use 11,000 disposable period products costing £5,000 during her reproductive life. We’ve grown used to these being disposable but there are now environmentally friendly products available. Reusable items are improving and are easy to use, as well as being kinder to the environment and cheaper. More families are switching to reusable nappies and different forms of period wear can be found in any High Street these days. HEAT is building up a supply of reusable personal products, such as cloth nappy demo kits for new babies, and will be giving people the opportunity to see what they are like and think about whether they would work for them and their lifestyle. Even using reusable products now and again will make a difference.

Our first workshop is on period products at 5pm on March 27th at Hadleigh Library. For more information visit our website www.hadleighheat.org or contact hadleigh.heat@hotmail.com

‘A Frame Less Perfect’

- new publication from Hadleigh poet

'A Frame Less Perfect' is the debut collection of poems by R. A. White. His publishers Shoestring Press are arranging a launch later in the year in London. Readers will recognise in the poetry many local connections and landmarks.

...slender crown overtopping the Deanery Tower its spiral chimneys skewering the sky without you a frame less perfect.

(from the title poem.)

Many readers have already commented on how they were surprised to find the poetry so accessible and how it resonates with their everyday life.

Themes include relationships, history, home, nature, family, remembrance, love, cancer, summer days, football, death, art, perception, regret, companionship, Covid and alienation.

Shoestring Press have an established reputation as publishers with an impressive list of writers from around the world. The collection (priced at £7.50) will be available in Hadleigh at The Idler bookshop from March 2023.

Hadleigh Hairloom

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

78-80 High Street, Hadleigh IP7 5EF Tel 01473 822191

Coffee and Wifi available

Spring Concert News

The spring concert by Hadleigh Choral Society promises to be an unforgettable experience, as the choir performs master works by Fauré and Puccini, accompanied by professional soloists as well as the Colchester Symphony Orchestra and a specially appointed organist. Join us at St Mary’s Church, Hadleigh to hear the hauntingly beautiful Fauré Requiem, which with its seven sections will take you on a journey which is both peaceful and sombre, as well as bright and comforting. The operatic Messa di Gloria by Puccini will certainly be thrilling, featuring compelling harmonies that range from solemn unison phrases to energetic fugues. Christopher Phelps will conduct the performance which will take place on 25th March at St Mary's Church, Hadleigh at 7:30 pm.

Tickets are £15, free for those in full-time education, and are available through www.hadleighchoralsociety.org.uk, members of the choir, or The Idler bookshop in Hadleigh.

For more information contact 07886 416 034

The Hadleigh Archive

The High Street, Hadleigh at a time when there was much less traffic than today, and also, long before the Hadleigh by-pass which was to be opened in 1983. Bicycles are propped up in a line outside Humphries the newsagent at the right, there are five of them and they equal the number of cars parked either side of the road. Where the bicycles stand there is a bus-stop sign for the bus to Ipswich or Sudbury. At the left hand kerb the open spring water gutter is well shown but on the day this photograph was taken, there is very little water flowing. The gutters were removed during 1969 and the water piped away. This spring water continued towards the Market Place and eventually into the river Brett. George Street and Angel Street had similar gutters carrying spring water. Un-wary car passengers were known to step into the cold water when getting out of their vehicles!

Electricity poles line the west side of the street and the whole scene looks quite serene, but when this photograph was taken about sixty years ago the population of the town was only about 3,500 people, today its fast approaching 10,000.

The Hadleigh Archive is administered by the Hadleigh Town Council. The Guildhall, Market Place, Hadleigh. IP7 5DN. A team of experienced volunteers look after the Hadleigh Archive and meet on a regular basis to catalogue and transcribe its large number of documents and images.

Visitors are welcome by appointment only.

Email: hadleigharchive@gmail.com Tel: 01473 823884

Cycling fun for children in the Easter Holidays

Hadleigh Cycling Club will be delivering a full season of activities in 2023 for youngsters who love cycling and want to improve, or even race.

The season will start on Friday 14th April with a British Cycling Go-Ride Race Day at Hadleigh Cricket Club. It will be a full day event (from 10:00 to 16:00) run by a team of British Cycling certified coaches to help riders to develop their bike handling skills and core cycling techniques through fun activities and mini races. There will be groups catering for the full range of abilities. All the riders need to bring is a bike (in good working order) that can be used offroad, a helmet, suitable clothing, water and a packed lunch. The day will cost £25 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 via www.britishcycling.org.uk

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 under-18 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

Repair Café

Our first Repair Café was held on Saturday 18th February. It was very well attended with 19 people attending with 21 items for repair as well as a couple of enquiries about items which will be brought to a future Repair Café. We would like to thank our volunteers who offered their skills on the day, and for those who helped in the Café area. We are looking for volunteers with skills in jewellery and watch repairs and also someone who can offer small electrical repairs as our current electrical volunteer was very busy and we would like to spread the load. If you are interested in volunteering either with a skill or to help in the Café please contact the Town Council on 01473 823884 or email Marta assistant@hadleightowncouncil.gov.uk

Our next Repair Café is on Saturday 15th April between 10am – 1pm in The Dining Room of The Guildhall. Look out for our poster in the Hadleigh Community News and on noticeboards around the town.

visitingfootpractitioners

01473 822902

07923 266940 Gary J.

MAFHP 07803 401042

Registered member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals

Fidelis

In our January meeting we were treated to an introduction to Pilates, Jeanette a local lady explained that Pilates can benefit everyone, whatever their ability. Jeanette was clear in her instructions and we all managed to complete the exercises. A good way to start the year. Our speaker in February is author and broadcaster Brian Carine. Our group is a friendly group of ladies who meet monthly in the Guildroom, on the 4th Thursday of the month.

If you want to know more, or want to join,

Please contact me at lesleycook0653@gmail.com

Charity Music Night in aid of PACE

On Saturday 18th March, Hadleigh Football Club will be hosting a music night to raise vital funds for Pace to continue to support the children who use our services. Join us for live music from The Time Warps, a pop and rock cover band who will provide a night of entertainment for you to enjoy!

Pace empowers the children and their families to reach their full potential and take their place in the world. We want every child in the UK with a neurodisability like cerebral palsy – and their families – to have access to learning and life changing therapy, aligned with our unique Pace approach. Our specialist clinical, education, and therapy teams work with babies, children, and young people from 0-18 to reach their goals, achieve their full potential and prepare to take their place in the world.

We believe in every child’s ability to progress, no matter what challenges they face.

Please purchase your tickets through Eventbrite by following the QR code on our poster or by contacting Shaughan on 07908 985432. We look forward to seeing you there!

Hadleigh Community Choir

Just over 10 years ago, a group of inspired people got together to create Hadleigh Community Choir. The purpose of this was that the Community could come together to sing and be uplifted by this whole experience, no matter whether they had voices of angels, or could croak like a frog!

Over the years we have brought music and song to all of you, either by our concerts, or occasions like Carols around the Christmas tree; Singing in Hadleigh’s retirement homes, where the residents joined us, and too many other occasions to list. You may remember our community singing in the Deanery Garden at the end of Covid, such a joyous time, and the rain stayed away until the end!

Now, we would like to invite you all to join with the Choir in the Ansell Centre for a Singalong on Saturday 1st April. We are offering a fun filled afternoon of song, with refreshments to sustain and bolster our efforts.

We are sure you will leave uplifted and happy, which is how we feel after all our practices. And if this inspires you to join the Choir, we would be very happy to welcome you. If you need to know more about the choir, there will be members to chat with you at the Centre.

Also check out website:http://hadscommunitychoir.onesuffolk.net/ where you will find lots more about the Choir and our activities. 1st April at The Ansell Centre From 2 to 4pm, All welcome

Hadleigh Men’s Shed

Good progress is being made with fitting out the shed. Members have completed a new portable work bench - all with wood donated by members. Now we just need to fit a large vice that was also donated. We have also put boards on the walls for the tools and fixed down the non-portable equipment. We are set up to handle the Men’s Shed information needs including membership, tool audits, health & safety procedures, training, posters. This will be maintained by a few of the committee members.

We would like to thank the following sponsors who have given so generously: Richard Finch, Frances Tebbut, Marion Carter, Energy on Tap Limited, Hadleigh Buildbase, Hadleigh RBL Club, Ansell Centre, Hadleigh Thrift Shop, Abacus Fire & Security, Councillor Mick Fraser and Hadleigh Community News.

We are currently purchasing other necessary health & safety equipment. Fire equipment will be on site soon. We now have Insurance for Clubs and Societies which covers our activities. Fund raising is proceeding well. Currently we open Wednesday 10 am to 12 noon and 7 pm to 9 pm and we are looking at other opening times for early Spring when we will be fully ready. We have already been asked to carry out some community work: repairing a notice board for the Ansell Centre and a shop table for the Thrift Shop. These will be worked on as soon as we are fully set up.

We have increased our mailing list of interested parties and members to over 35 and our working parties have had up to 9 participants - all lending a hand. We have had a visit from two gents from Sudbury interested in setting up a Men's Shed there and they asked many questions about how it all happened and were pleased with what they saw and heard.

Our first AGM will be in April – venue & date to be advised. Officers will be (re)elected then.

Hadleigh Men’s Shed is a relaxed place supporting the local community by providing somewhere to

• meet up and make new friends

• learn new skills

• share expertise

• work on or get help on your own projects

• work on community based projects

• enjoy companionship over a cup of tea

“It is not what we make but coming here and being a part of a community which is important.”

For further info please ring 07860 429 151 or email hadleighmensshed@gmail.com

Reserves Wanted

Are you a warm water person? Prefer not to prance around a public pool in your cossie? Not an Olympian swimmer? Happy to swim now and again rather than every week? Then you may be interested in becoming a reserve for a small group of Mermaids on a Tuesday and or a Thursday at Lett’s Pool, near Hadleigh. For further details of times and cost of these private sessions please contact me, Jan Devey:- 01473 827 091 or deveys@btinternet.com

The Cock Inn, Hadleigh

Well folks spring is in the air. What a strange winter its been. Very cold spells followed by warm sunshine. It could well be the Costa East Anglia in years to come.

Congratulations to The Kraken, one of our three dart teams that won the Hadleigh Dixon Dart League with 107 points. They were followed closely by another team from The Cock, namely Dawsey's Jets while the George were a respectable third. Our third team, The Cock Rebels, wethered the storm and finished very strongly indeed and sadly finished just below The Groton Fox. Well done all. There is a short break now prior to the summer league commencing next month. Meantime, The Cock will stage both the Tilbury Dart competition and the George Balaam Trophy. Dates and times to follow. There will also be an end of season dart competition the the Hadleigh Legion.

The Sudbury & District Bar Billiards League also concluded last month with The Brook Gloves winning through. The Cock Inn finished in a respectable third place. Bar billards is an exciting and skillful game and beginners are welcome to come along and learn how to play. We have a number of customers only too willing to pass on their knowledge and skills.

We have another exciting month of live music for you during March, though we finish off February with a visit from Buzz band on Sunday 26th Feb. A great 4 piece band and the fun starts at 3pm. On Sunday 12th March we welcome Words & Music, a popular duo playing all your favourite tunes from the 70's and onwards, including lots of stuff from the Beatles starting at 3pm. Saturday 18th at 8.30pm (Paddy's weekend) you can join in with some Irish folk, rock n pop with Great Craic. If you love the Pogues you'll love these guys. Come early. Finally on Sunday 26th at 3pm we welcome back a terrific six piece band called Mold. Plenty of your favourites from the 60's through to the 90's. Racey sporting fans will be happy to see that F1 motor racing returns in March. We have the Bahrain Grand, Prix on Sunday 5th at 3pm and the Saudi Grand Prix on Sunday 20th at 5pm.

The 6 Nations rugby will finish up on Sunday 19th March with England travelling to Lansdown Road to do battle with the Irish and a 5pm KO, (Ireland being ranked No1 in the world at the moment). Prior to the 19th England will host France on Saturday 11th March at 4.45pm. Its all still to play for but the Irish look stronger game by game.

Premier football is heating up. Arsenal were caught up in mid February and Man City are my tip for the title. The relegation battle looks interesting too with around 9 teams all within the trouble zone. After the World cup break both the Champions League and Europa League games are back with quarter final draw due mid month. At the time of writing Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs were still in the Champions League and our sole representative, Man Utd were in the Europa League.

Any one for cricket. Well England take on Bangladesh from the 1st to the 14th. Its live on Sky so you can watch it at The Cock. If you are into the Gee Gee's you can watch the Cheltenham Festival starting on the 14th March. The Gold Cup is on Friday 17th with female jockey Rachael Blackmore returning and again riding her 2022 winner, A Plus Tard. Its a great racing festival attracting over a quarter of a million racegoers each year.

Don't forget our 'early bird' drink offers, weekdays 12-2pm and 5-7pm and our all day every day 'double up promo' on a range of branded spirits for only £1.50 extra. You'll be glad you did.

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

Energy on Tap Limited

Electrical Services

The Cock Inn

Traditionally run freehouse

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

Live Sport in MARCH

Rugby Union 6 Nations

Sat 11th England v France 4.45pm

Sun 12th Scotland v Ireland 3pm

Sun 19th Ireland v England 5pm

Premier, Champions &Europa League football all shown live.

F1 Grand Prix

Sun 5th Bahrain 3pm

Sun 20th Saudi 5pm Cricket

1st -14th Bangladesh v England

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

MARCH WHATS ON Live Music

Sun 26th Feb Buzz 3pm

Sun 12th March Words & Music 3pm

Sat 18th Great Craic 8.30pm

Sun 26th Mold 3pm

Events

Tue 7th Buskers 8pm

Tues14th Quiz Night 8pm

Tues 21st 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 £4.70 • Peroni £4.70 • Abbot £3.80

Victoria £3.60 • 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

Toucan Financial Services has recently taken flight under the wing of local expert Joel Runnels-Moss

With 25 years of experience in the field, Joel offers the kind of tailored, personalised service you’d expect from a Hadleigh-based, family-run firm, backed by a partnership with FTSE100-listed St. James’s Place.

“This is a local business, for local people,” explains Joel, who is proud to have lived in Hadleigh for more than 20 years, raising his family here, and being a vocal and supportive campaigner and volunteer, both for charities, and also within his previous role as a governor at Hadleigh Community Primary School. “I love meeting and getting to know people and, as a family man, I appreciate and understand just how precious time, money and financial stability are. I make it my mission to get to know my clients, their values and their financial ambitions, taking out all the jargon, and creating solutions that they find easy to understand. I go out of my way to help clients, and that’s something I really do pride myself on.”

Toucan Financial Services Ltd.

Find out more at www.toucanfs.co.uk

Drag Bingo!

On April 23rd I will be running my seventh consecutive London Marathon, each year have I run for a different charity, raising money for the Stroke Association, National Deaf Children’s Society, Dementia UK, Evelina Children’s Hospital, Crohn’s and Colitis UK and Parkinson’s UK. This year I am running in support of SeeAbility which specialises in supporting people who have learning disabilities or autism, who may also have sight loss. As my fundraiser last year for Parkinson’s UK, we had a fantastic Comedy Drag Bingo Night with the outrageous Charlie Hides, which SOLD OUT so we are doing it again this year as my fundraiser for SeeAbility. Tickets are £15 each and on sale at Eventbrite www.eventbrite.co.uk

Saturday 25th March in the Grand Hall at Hadleigh Guildhall. Or please sponsor me at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuartservice

Annual Fundraiser at Hadleigh Library

Join us on Saturday 11th March 10am - 4pm for Suffolk Libraries Day, our annual fundraising event celebrating the important work our libraries do for communities across Suffolk. Help us raise money at Hadleigh library. We'll have a raffle, craft activity, treasure hunt and cake sale.

As an independent charity running Suffolk Libraries; we nurture children's literacy, support vulnerable people and promote wellbeing across Suffolk. With plenty of visitors to our libraries each week; we tackle social isolation, improve wellbeing, inform and entertain.

Supported by the Friends of Hadleigh Library, we look forward to seeing you on Saturday 11th March. For more information visit suffolklibraries.co.uk

With Summer on its way we can all start looking forward to warmer days

We currently have a great range of warm knits as well as more light weight linen and cotton pieces for those sunny days. We also realise many of you have abroad holidays to look forward to, therefore we have received a fab range of summer accessories early. These include our gorgeous jute bags, flip flops, ponchos and much more.

I am excited to have the fairtrade raffia basket bags back in stock ready for summer. These feature leather corners and handles with a draw string closure for security. All handmade by artisans in Madagascar. This years collection consists of beautiful floral designs and Polka dots as well as more subtle plain colour blocking designs. Available in two sizes.

Proving popular with our customers are the gorgeous, cropped sleeve jumpers. These come in a wide range of colours and are perfect for the cooler weather by layering underneath and can easily take you through to the summer/ warmer weather. We had a fab time visiting the NEC in Birmingham. We placed many orders of beautiful Spring/ Summer wear. Expect to see a wide range of dresses, tops and tunics in stunning patterns and colourways, as well as coordinating bags, jewellery and accessories. We hope to see you in the shop soon.

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

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

Hadleigh Walkers

Our walk on Saturday 11th March will again start and end in Hadleigh. We will leave Stonehouse Road car park at 0930 and proceed through town toward Aldham Hall and then Samsom Lodge, Whatfield, Cosford Hall, Ivytree Farm, Peyton Hall and back into Hadleigh via Toppesfield Bridge. The distance of the entire route is around 8 miles and we should be back in Hadleigh around 1300. We will have one short refreshment stop along the way.

As usual, we aim to average a not-toodemanding 2.5 mph (4 km/hr) and walkers need to be able to maintain this pace. Any kind of weather is possible in winter 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. Route maps can be requested from this web site. For further information about these walks go to www.hadleighwalkers.com or email us at hadleighwalkers@gmail.com

ALB-Framing

If your picture needs framing, contact me!

I’m a member of the Fine Art Trade Guild, who themselves created the standards and guidelines for art framing together with picture printing. I continually work to these requirements.

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

www.alb-framing.co.uk info@alb-framing.co.uk

ZOR Boutique ATKERSEYMILL

07969 525859 www.zoronline.com

zoronline.sales@gmail.com

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

WATTS G. J.

Hadleigh Community Primary School

Year 1 On Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd February Year 1 performed their spectacular show of 'They Don't Make 'Em Like That Anymore!' Which was linked to this term's topic of ‘Toys’. They all performed brilliantly and worked really hard to learn the songs and project their lines to the audience. It was lovely to see all the parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles come back into school to share this special moment. A big thank you to Mr Betts for writing the wonderful show and for the very memorable songs that we continue to sing! The show was hugely enjoyed by all and a great way to end this half term.

Year 2 Year 2 have had an amazing day learning about the Chinese New Year! They celebrated the Year of the Rabbit by making lanterns, writing using the Chinese alphabet and trying some delicious food, all kindly provided by Dynasty Hadleigh! Red envelopes were shared with someone special to send good wishes. All of this while wearing the colours of the Chinese flag.

Music Following a successful trial in the Autumn term, we have now expanded our team of Music Prefects. They have been selected as more experienced musicians who possess the necessary skills to support other children in our music clubs. Below is a picture of eight of our nine-strong team and a list of their responsibilities:

Back Row: Harry (Ukulele), Megan (Keyboard), JoJo (Wind Group & Choir), Faith (Violin)

Front Row: Evie (Music Theory), Ruby (Musical Theatre), Josie (Musical Theatre), Charlotte (Ukulele)

Not Pictured: Georgie (Wind Group & Choir)

Anne Beaumont Trust Have very kindly donated to us a brand new ipad, laptop and sensory equipment.

Reception This half term our Reception classes have been learning about China and Chinese New Year.

They discovered that Chinese New Year is a big celebration with some similarities to how we celebrate the New Year. They decorate both their houses and the streets with red lanterns and banners displaying Happy New Year messages. We decorated our classrooms and even had a go at copying some Chinese New Year symbols to create our own New Year messages! Making links with children in China who are given lucky red envelopes containing money to start the new year, we continued to develop our understanding of money by using 1p and 2p coins to make a total of 5p. The children watched Chinese Dragon dances being performed as well as firework displays and created firework patterns in the woods. They role played the story of Nian the dragon by working together to make a large dragon head in our activity area, wearing it while hiding under a red blanket! The story of Nian tells of villagers making loud noises to scare away the dragon and we enjoyed using the mud kitchen implements to bang and make a lot of noise! They then started to explore one of the animals that lives in China, the Giant Panda! We discovered Giant Pandas live up in the mountains in China and they have thick waterproof fur, the same as the Polar bears, to help keep them warm. They love to eat bamboo and spend most of their time eating bamboo or sleeping! We discovered they have sharp claws and love to roll around, again a very similar trait to the Polar bears we learnt about as a part of our Arctic topic. To finish off our topic, we ended the day with a Chinese banquet! We tasted a variety of different foods similar to what they may eat in China, while we listened to some music.

SPRING CRAFT FAYRE

Why do YOU need Chiropractic Care?

Are you shining as bright as you should be? Whether you have an old niggling injury, an irritating pain or just a feeling that things could be better, there’s an answer waiting for you at Hadleigh’s new specialist Health Centre KINETIC HEALTH. Founder and principal chiropractor, Inga Hurren DC has created a beautiful space for you to reconnect with yourself and start living life to the full. To celebrate the opening of her new clinic, Inga is offering a discount on your first appointment, so contact her now and find out how to create space, ease and flow in the next phase of your life.

Inga told us ‘Busy professionals can often keep working through stresses. I’m here to help them look after their health before a problem forces them to stop and take remedial action. It’s a smart idea to get ahead of the game and invest now in your health. I’m here to help people do that - our clinic is an easy space to reach just off the High Street and such a calm environment that it’s a great place to reconnect and recharge for the rest of the week. People can call, email or pop in to see us any day Monday to Friday.’

We all need an occasional nudge to keep us looking after our health and wellbeing. Inga is the ideal support on that journey, offering a professional, confidential and caring chiropractic care that gives you the space to be your best self. Her 10 years of experience in a busy multi-practitioner clinic has given her the perfect basis for establishing Kinetic Health, the newest addition to Hadleigh’s independent wellbeing business community.

‘Now is the perfect time to act!’ says Inga ‘People sometimes let their selfcare slip off the to-do list. There’s good evidence to show that being regularly adjusted by a chiropractor improves our ability to face life’s challenges. Staying healthy is the best way to live the life we want to, and I’m really excited to see Kinetic Health help support a happy, healthy Hadleigh’ Call Inga now on 01473 806240 or 07971 553050

One more Defibrillator Session to go

How many times have you said “I keep meaning to go on one of those defibrillator courses?” Well now there is no excuse, even if you work all week. In conjunction with the PPG (Patient Participation Group), Hadleigh Pool and Leisure are offering a FREE training session on Saturday 11th March from 10a.m – 11a.m. at the Leisure Centre. What can you expect?

Attendees at the last training were guided by two very experienced Hadleigh First Responders, Trevor Sheldrick (photo) and Judith Sweeting.

The demonstration included cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) followed by the application and use of the defibrillator. Enthusiastic feedback from those who watched indicates that it was informative, useful and very worthwhile. The March session will follow this blue print.

There are a number of defib machines all over Hadleigh with the most recent installations at the Cricket Club, Londis the Garage, Hadleigh Health Centre and the Hadleigh Fire Station. All machines are clearly visible on outside walls.

Why not take advantage of this weekend opportunity to get to grips with CPR and this life-saving piece of equipment? No tests or exams involved. Sign up details are below. www.eventbrite.com (Search Hadleigh Community Defibrillator Awareness session to book a place)

Tel Jan Devey 01473 827 091 Visit Leisure Centre Reception

Nursery Open Day

SATURDAY 18TH MARCH 2023 10:00am - 12:30pm

Hadleigh Hedgehogs Nursery are planning an Open Day on Saturday 18th March 2023 between 10am - 12.30pm ready for our September intake 2023. If your child’s date of birth is between 1.9.19 - 31.8.20 please join us during the morning. We would love to see you there!

You will have the opportunity to look round our Nursery building, outdoor space and particularly our Forest School provision. There are two timeslots available, which you can book by following the link: https://bit.ly/HCPSOpenDay2023, this will take you directly to Eventbrite. Please only book one session time.

The session times are: 10.00am - 11.00am and 11.30am - 12.30pm

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday 18th March.

Hedgehogs Nursery Team

Hadleigh Hares Athletics Club

January has been a busy month for us with two cross country fixtures in the North Essex and South Suffolk League.

On January 16 we had our third cross country fixture of the season at Writtle College, Chelmsford. In what were tough, windy conditions our team produced some fantastic performances on a tough and treacherous two lap course hosted by Springfield Striders. Our senior team made up of 5 men and 5 ladies scored superbly and should be very proud of their efforts and excellent running from our Junior Hares. All showed determination and did us proud. Our senior runner of the day was Ryan McNeill and our junior runner of the day was Ella Baalham who was picking off runners as she came into finish. Our second race on January 29 was held at Wix Equestrain Centre. Our brave and hardy juniors and seniors of took part in our fourth cross country fixture organised by Harwich Runners. On what was a tough course including jumping ditches and logs, our teams performed superbly with some great scoring especially with our junior team who again excelled!

Unfortunately we didn't have enough men to make a full team but the four men and three ladies who completed the course did themselves very proud. Our junior team continue to get better and better and after today have a very strong chance of finishing 4th in the league overall. Our senior runner of the day was Kay Oxford and our junior runner of the day was Aderne McDonald. If you fancy joining a friendly supportive running club you can find out all about us and how to join at www.hadleigh-hares.co.uk

Hadleigh Garden Club

Our February meeting saw Jim Paine from Walnut Tree Garden Nursery in Attleborough talk to our group on “Gardening in the Shade”. He is very knowledgeable on all aspects of his nursery. So it was interesting to hear his advice on just what will thrive in different areas of shade in the garden. He also brought along various plants for our members to purchase and I was thrilled to take home some snowdrops that I happily planted the following day. What a difference some sunshine makes after those hard frosts of early February. Cutting the grass again is a joy… before it turns into a chore in the summer. The spring bulbs colour and delightful blooms are welcome after the drab winter…I think my favourite season.

On March 13th we have our AGM. As always we would love to welcome new members to join the committee. With new ideas and enthusiasm our great club can continue to serve the community This meeting does not last long so please join us as afterwards we have Jo Hull from Applewood Acres a local nursery growing cut flowers and salads joining us for a very interesting talk. We will also be taking the coming years subscription of £12 cheque or cash only please.

Do join us at 7.30 pm in the Guildhall opposite St Mary’s church. Members £2 guests £4 a warm welcome, refreshments and raffle

Hadleigh Flower Club

Our February meeting was a little different to normal, as we had a speaker instead of a floral demonstration. Our speaker came from Perrywood Nurseries, Tiptree/Sudbury. She was the granddaughter of the founder of the nurseries and now works alongside her father and two brothers. We had a great and interesting evening listening to the history of how the business began and to where it is now.

Our next meeting is the 14th March 2023, demonstration by Doreen Robinson from Lode in Cambridgeshire, entitled “Embracing Colour”. 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.

Churches in Hadleigh - Praying for Hadleigh

The people of the churches in Hadleigh are committed to praying for our town. Over the course of each year we plan to pray for every street in Hadleigh. During March we will be praying for the following streets:Week Commencing 5th March Matilda Groom Road; Week Commencing 12th March Mary Clarke Close; Week Commencing 19th March Alice Parkins Close, Ann Strutt Close; Week Commencing 26th March Sarah Rand Road, Emma GirlingClose. If you know people who live in these streets, we would be very pleased if you also would pray for them. If you live on one of the streets being covered during a particular week and would welcome prayer, please get in touch.

Hadleigh Baptist Church

pastorchristodd@hadleighbaptist.org.uk

Hadleigh URC Barbara Robinson 828352 barobi1506@gmail.com

St Joseph’s RC Church Anita Rosbrook 810057 a.rosbrook@btinternet.com

St Mary’s CoE Jessica Janas 822671 jessicanevard@btinternet.com

John Gurr

15th May 1938 - 8th February 2023

Sadly John passed away suddenly on 8th February, thankyou to everyone for all the love and support we have received. He will be greatly missed.

Donna, Dawn, Darren and family

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

Mill Pharmacy and Travel Clinic

www.millpharmacy.co.uk

Mill Pharmacy, in Hadleigh, adjacent to the Hadleigh Health Centre provides a healthcare service to town and country residents. We are the only pharmacy in Hadleigh open seven days a week.

I am Mike Rudin the Superintendent Pharmacist of Mill Pharmacy and am always delighted to say hello, gain your feedback and answer any questions about our pharmacy and its services.

Myself and my team of Pharmacists, trained Counter Assistants and Dispensers aim to always provide an excellent service to our customers. We can assist with a one off prescription or regular repeat prescriptions. We also provide a New Medicine Service to support you when starting to take a new medicine. Please ask about this helpful and free NHS service. We have just added a Travel Clinic to our rapidly growing range of services. You can arrange a convenient local consultation with our Pharmacist and receive your recommended or required vaccinations and medications for the countries you are visiting on holiday or for work, from Typhoid and Cholera vaccinations to medication for combating Malaria, High Altitude, Period Delay, Jet Lag and more.

Have a look at the NHS website ‘Travel health pro' to get a good idea of what you might require in advance of your consultation.

Coming soon we are adding services for treating Urinary Tract Infections (Cystitis) and Impetigo.

Look out for our Weight Loss and Blood Pressure Monitoring services. Our website www.millpharmacy.co.uk will take you to the latest list of services available, their prices and the times of opening of these clinics.

Seasonally we provide the important Flu and Covid Boosters. Whatever the service, it is always best to book an appointment to ensure we meet your needs.

Ask at our Pharmacy Counter or call us on 01473 820136. If the line is busy then contact us via our website where you will find a comments section which we read regularly. We will get back to you to arrange an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon in our Pharmacy and Travel clinic.

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

Profit From Our Experience

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

Are you linked to our Community e-Mail?

If you are not registered to receive local information via our Layham Community e-Mail system, please log on to our website and read about the benefits. We know from several years of experience how valuable it is for you to be kept informed about what is happening locally

Parish Council

The February meeting of the Parish Council was held after the print deadline for the March Community News – thus notes on that meeting will appear in April.

Your Parish Councillors stand down in May

Your Parish Councillors are elected for a maximum of four years, after which they retire and may stand for re-election. The current Parish Council meets for the last time on Wednesday 29 March.

Election of a new Parish Council

This year’s election will take place on Thursday 4 May. There are 7 places on the Parish Council. Should there be 7 (or fewer) applicants, all will be automatically elected; however, if there are more than 7 applicants a poll will be necessary. It is good for a community if there is some competition, so we urge you to think about getting involved with Parish Council work.

During March, details of how to nominate yourself as a candidate will appear on the village notice boards and on the website (www.layham.org). If you want to find out more, contact Jane Cryer, the Parish Clerk, on 07920 713940, or email layhampc@gmail.com. In the meantime, these are some key dates to note:

• Thursday 16 March - Notice of Election posted on noticeboards and website

Franklyn Nevard Associates

• Thursday 4 May – election

• Tuesday 9 May – all councillors retire and new councillors take office

• Close of nominations – 4pm on Tuesday 4 April

• Registration deadline – Monday 17 April

• Postal vote deadline – Tuesday 18 April

• Proxy vote deadline – Tuesday 25 April

• Count takes place at Wherstead Park on Friday 5 May

Process for candidates

Nomination papers will be available from 16 March onwards, from the Clerk, Babergh DC, or can be downloaded from the Electoral Commission website: www.electoralcommission.org.uk.

Layham Spring Clean - Saturday 18th March

We thank those of you who regularly participate in our village tidy up sessions and we will be delighted to welcome new volunteers. We will be meeting at 10am on Saturday 18th March either on the playing field in Upper Layham or opposite the Queen’s Head in Lower Layham. Turn up on the day or borrow some of our resources and carry out work at a different time. If you are aware of a particular task that needs doing, please let us know and we will get teams organised. We can provide litter pickers, reflective jackets and refuse bags; please bring your own protective gloves and possibly a garden tool. We can also arrange to borrow brown bins from the District Council. Sheila Roberts, Parish Councillor leading the ‘green team’ 01473 827270

The Big Quiz

Presented by Michael Mumford of Semer fame

Playing Field 120 Club Winners of the February Draw were:

£25 Ticket No 2 Wilder; £15 Ticket No 65 Hempstead

Layham Social Club

Everyone agreed that our February meeting was a great success. Over 20 people attended to hear local historian Roger Kennell’s talk on William Pretty and the corset factory. Roger described the development of William Pretty and Sons and explained the international importance of the firm. Hadleigh was one of the satellite sites but many remembered the site in Ipswich, now where Crown carparks is situated. Pretty’s was where many female school leavers found employment until the 1980s when the factory closed.

As women’s fashions changed the corset became more or less popular explained Richard. Many of the audience remembered the sort of corsets worn by their mothers and one lady explained that her mother-in -law told her that she would never regain her figure after childbirth unless she wore a corset. (The advice was ignored). Two of the corsets that were on show provoked much discussion. We hope that Roger will return to give another enjoyable talk.

After cake, biscuits and tea, Peter’s quiz on Valentines was won by Martine. The next meetings are March 2 and April 6, both from 2-4 pm in Layham Village Hall. There is a small charge of £2 to cover refreshments and hire costs.

We were very sad to hear of the death of John Gurr - a member of the club.

Layham Community Orchard Project

We would like to thank Ed and Glenda Hall for giving permission to plant various fruit trees on up to two acres of some of their land off Water Lane Layham. It is envisaged to lay out and do some planting the weekend of 17th March.The Woodland Trust are providing a number of hedging/ tree saplings and an application for a grant has been made to The Tree Council. More information will be made available on the village notice boards and community email on how you can get involved. You can find out more about Community Orchards at commonground.org.uk.

Layham Village Hall

Our café mornings funded by Babergh District Council are proving very popular. To celebrate Valentine’s Day 18 of us enjoyed fresh cakes with our hot drinks. Roger Kennell gave us a brief but interesting talk about brickwork. Next week is Shrove Tuesday so we will be serving pancakes. A reminder that our Book Sale will be held on Sunday 14th May. We already have a good selection for you to choose but more book donations gratefully received. Please contact Jan McNelly on 01473 871043 to arrange drop-off or delivery. Thank you for supporting us.

We are delighted to have received a grant from Councillor John Ward’s locality fund to enable us to hold a Coronation Tea Party on Sunday 7th May. This will be a special event with limited number of tickets available at only £10 each. Please contact Jan McNelly if you would like to reserve your place.

Coronation weekend

The Layham Events Group (LEG) is organising a BBQ and Rounders match on Monday 8 May, to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III - please save the date! The event will take place on the Playing Field from 12 noon until 4pm - more information will follow shortly.

The days are starting to get longer but at the time of writing this, it is still very cold and damp. We can hope that the worst of the winter is behind us, so that we can start recouping some of the funds that have been prised out of our cold hands by the energy companies that want to ensure the wellbeing of their wealthy investors.

During this time of hardship for many residents I have been heartened by the response of the residents who are willing to help others by not only setting up warm spaces and staffing them but by also raising funds to help feed people that are less well off, less well-off does not only mean financially but means socially as well, because in the dark winter months we tend to isolate ourselves from the rest of our neighbours and friends, and these pop up kitchens and walk in warm centres help us to reengage with our fellow residents and in so doing it lets us know that we are not alone and that there are good people out there. Looking forward to this coming year, we have the Coronation of our King to look forward to in May, and I do know that the council staff are planning something, I haven’t got a clue what just yet but I know that they have a cunning plan, don’t forget Hadleigh’s Hidden Gardens are on June 3rd, that is always a great way to showcase Hadleigh as not only locals attend but interested folk from far and wide, so if you are interested in opening up your garden to the public for the day contact the Hidden Gardens team via info@fosm-hadleigh.co.uk .

Also in this coming year we have the local elections to contend with and that means trying to cajole, coax, plead, or even press gang Hadleigh residents into standing as a councillor for the Town Council. It is with this in mind that the council will be running an open day for those good people of Hadleigh who would like to stand as a candidate for a position as councillor on HTC, so come along and speak to Councillors about the good and bad sides of being a Councillor, and of the things that we would like to achieve for Hadleigh, I know that the Town Council’s voice may seem small, but it is still a voice, so come along, I will be there, (I’ve been told I will be there so I had better show up!) I’m hoping that there is coffee and cake there too. This year when residents vote it will be slightly different, to vote at a polling station you will have to have some form of photo ID (preferably your own face on it), if you do not have photo ID you will not be allowed to vote, postal voters will not be affected by this change. This last year for me as Mayor of Hadleigh has had its ups and downs, but meeting you guys, at either my Friday morning surgeries in St Mary’s or on one of the resident run committees has made it all worthwhile, because just chatting with you is the best tonic ever. This will be my final Mayors monthly as we will be coming up to the elections so I am not allowed to write in this wonderful magazine because of something called Purdah (I had to look that one up too). So stay strong, and think of the ones that are less fortunate than ourselves. All the best

Gordon McLeod, Mayor of Hadleigh

Wednesday Lunch Club at the Ansell Centre

Do you enjoy a lovely home cooked lunch in a relaxed atmosphere with some company? If so you might like to join our friendly lunch club. Once you have become a member (which is free), you can join us at the Ansell Centre on the third Wednesday of each month. Members arrive from 12 noon and a delicious 2 course lunch is served at 12.15pm. The cost for lunch is £4.50. After lunch there is a raffle and tea and coffee are served. We currently have some spaces for new members, so if you’re interested, please contact either Frances Tebbutt 01473 823719 or Vic Ackerman 07719 496112.

The Suffolk Stitchers

We are a new group that meets every third Thursday 7.30 at Monks Eleigh Village Hall. We welcome both new and experienced stitchers and aim to promote the practice and study of patchwork, quilting and textile arts in Suffolk. We have a varied and exciting program of speakers over the next few months. In March we will welcome Pascale Michalski who makes contemporary quilts. Her quilts are painted on silk and beautifully quilted. She was awarded Edcellence in Machine Quilting at the Festival of Quilts. All welcome.

Contact Sue Sayer (Secretary) thesuffolkstitchers@gmail.com

StyleMagiks & Hadleigh Community Choir

Present a fashion and music filled afternoon, featuring a showcase of just some of the many fashion tribes, together with music from the choir which reflects the styles. From Glam to Minimalistic and from Rock to Boho, finishing with a Vivienne Westwood finale, be prepared for the daring, the sparing, the chic and unique in both fashion and song. There will also be an opportunity to purchase some great items at amazing prices after the show.

Come and enjoy the afternoon with us at Hadleigh United Reformed Church, Market Place, on Saturday 29th April from 2-4pm. All proceeds will be going towards the work and outreach of Hadleigh Community Choir.

Tickets will be available from Keith Avis, The Idler and members of the choir, Adults £5, under twelves free

Weddings at Hadleigh Guildhall

Don’t let the cost of living crisis spoil your special day! Now more than ever, couples looking to celebrate their wedding are cost conscious! Hadleigh Guildhall represents one of the best value for money wedding ceremony and/or reception venues in Suffolk.

That doesn’t mean you compromise on prestige or atmosphere. The magnificent rooms at Hadleigh Guildhall can be traditional, contemporary, formal or relaxed not to mention the picturesque walled garden for capturing the perfect moment.

With 3 rooms licenced for civil wedding ceremonies, and an array of options for your reception, you can plan your whole day, with exclusive use of the complete building, which won’t break the bank! (Additional discount for Hadleigh residents).

Catering couldn’t be easier with two fully equipped kitchens, as well as a comprehensive bar service. Fine dining or street food, live music in the garden or band/disco in the Grand hall, you choose. Cosy and intimate, or a party to dance the night away, Hadleigh Guildhall can accommodate it all.

A recent wedding couple said “We are so glad to have chosen the Guildhall for our wedding ceremony and celebration. The booking clerk was helpful and responded to emails and any queries quickly. The courtesy phone call before the Christmas break was a lovely touch to check everything was going OK. The caretaker, was brilliant over the whole weekend. The complex itself was exactly what we needed, giving us plenty of space throughout the day. We will definitely be using the complex again for future family events and will recommend Hadleigh Guildhall to others. Thank you.”

Every couple interprets the Guildhall in their own way, which is exactly as it should be, your day, your way! We are here to help facilitate and support you through your ideas and plans. Don’t take our word for it, come and see for yourself, viewings by appointment are always welcome. We are sure you will be pleasantly surprised at what Hadleigh Guildhall has to offer, right on your doorstep.

Email info@hadleightownhall.co.uk - Tel 01473 822544

The People’s Project

We are now full for exhibitors however if you would like to be placed on the reserve list please email Alicja projects@hadleightowncouncil.gov.uk. More details about the event will follow but in the mean time make sure you have Saturday 27th May in your diary.

Hadleigh South Conservatives

MAKE BABERGH WORK FOR YOU –WE WILL:

■ Commit to exploring a move of the District Council offices out of Ipswich to rediscover our own special identity.

■ Restore the Hadleigh and Sudbury Council access points for Babergh residents.

■ Introduce a Babergh app/residents card to give three hours free parking and also provide reduced cost Gym membership.

■ Scrap the draft Local Plan for housing which was rejected by the Government Inspector. Too many houses of the wrong type and in the wrong places.

■ Babergh Conservatives will press for a dedicated housing Hadleigh plan that meets our residents’ needs.

■ Work with Hadleigh Town Council and invest in a significantly improved new children’s play park.

■ Only implement environmental measures that show value for money and clear benefits –no ideological “green measures” for green’s sake.

Ukraine Aid

Further to my previous three articles, I completed my seventh humanitarian aid deliveries trip in to Ukraine during January 23, with ‘Mission Ukraine’ (a not for profit voluntary aid group, founded by a joint Ukraine/British initiative, delivering supplies direct to the point of need – with nobody paid and all funding being used to provide and transport priority supplies) and “Generators for Ukraine”, another independent and voluntary group who raise funds for the purchase of generators, and provided a number for this trip.

This was a round journey of 12 days, delivering to the internally displaced persons shelter in the west again, to a hospital in Kyiv, to isolated, recently liberated villages in the south east of Ukraine, and finally an ambulance full of supplies to Kherson hospital. Having visited Kherson earlier to deliver other supplies, and hearing the noise of artillery, the evening of the ambulance delivery was surprisingly silent. The trip was also undertaken in partnership with another Ukrainian voluntary group, ‘Relief Ship’ who purchased the 3 ambulances used to transport the supplies and then the ambulances themselves being left with medical relief services in Ukraine.

I have visited recently liberated villages before and seen the devastation caused by the war and previously occupying forces, but the scenes and accounts heard continue to distress and shock as one once again gets closer to those directly impacted. Walking some of the streets, driving along some of the mine cleared roads, carefully steering around destroyed bridges, smelling the ash and dust of blown apart homes, seeing the tension and grief in people’s faces, feeling the need of hugs given and sometimes hearing their cries. But, as I want also to always share, what courage and strength Ukrainians have! In the face of such adversity, they carry on. They clear up, they patch up, they repair, they re-build, they continue finding ways to educate their children, to work and maintain businesses. There is inevitable tiredness, but they remain standing, and determined and encouraging one another, and

amazingly, we find much laughter even too! They inspire me! What relatively trivial things often trouble us in the comfort of stable, generally affluent and safe lives!

Generators were delivered to a medical centre, enabling it to have light, run a fridge to keep medication cool and enable the building heating to function, and to villages without any electricity at all. The few villagers at one such very small, very isolated village declared we were an answer to prayer as it seems none of the large aid agencies had reached them. I thank God for the large agencies and the supplies they can bring en masse, but, as someone said to me, the very small boats at Dunkirk played their vital role too – they could go places and further inshore, the large vessels could not, and the lives of the relatively few they saved were as valuable as any other. We perhaps have a valuable flexibility to deliver sometimes to the more obscure places of need. There are often tears and laughter at delivery, and when the generator starts first time! But we bring many other items too, which are deeply appreciated; a small heater to enable a room in a bombed school to be used, good quality warm clothing gratefully received, torches and batteries and candles and gas cooking stoves, sleeping bags and blankets, toiletries and some non perishable foodstuffs. Other non essential items bring smiles and laughter – like the battery fairy lights, chocolate, mince pies and cakes – don’t we all need a few moments for such trivial things to warm the soul?

None of this has been possible without the generous and active hearts of people – and the people of Hadleigh and Ipswich and surrounds, continue to play your awesome part! I am so very grateful personally, and on behalf of recipient Ukrainians, to so many! Individuals have donated precious items of excellent quality or brand new, or given some money. Lisa and her colleagues at Morrisons again provided amazingly! The supplies collated locally and in Suffolk nearly filled a large ambulance and included 2 more generators, one from a local individual and another from a Ukrainian in Ipswich. At the time of writing, Ian Twinley of John Grose has provided 3 generators being serviced now, a Hadleigh man is purchasing a new one and another has provided a large very good second hand one (being generously serviced by Ainger Holbrows again), a water pump, heater and other goods. Several individuals repeat their giving and I have been much moved by the hearts of those I imagine give at some felt cost to themselves. Word travels and some from much further afield are also showing remarkable generosity.

There is so much I could write and share of encounters in Ukraine, and maybe one day I will write a book. But, meanwhile there is ever the preparation for ongoing aid work.

If you wish to help, the donation of good quality supplies as described are always welcome. We are seeking to provide some larger generators too, with sufficient power to drive water pumps or power community spaces better. Money is also much needed to buy appropriate vehicles, to meet the significant costs of transport, diesel for outward journeys and train/flight return costs – as we leave vehicles in Ukraine. For the purchase of supplies in Ukraine, you can give to ‘Mission Ukraine’ via the attached, or you can contact me direct to give to my Ukraine account, used in partnership with Mission Ukraine, or for my own Ukraine initiatives.

Thank you for your interest, and for the generosity of this community. David Jacobs. Mobile 07500 531901

Hadleigh and District WI

In February's meeting we looked forward to an update from Lucy Skellorn on the Revival of Benton End. On the 21st of this month a representative from Tools with a Mission will talk about the wondeful work they do.

The Amblers will meet on the 1st March to visit Place for Plants in East Bergholt. Bookworms are reading Victoria Hislop's 'Cartes Postales from Greece' to discuss at their meeting on 23rd March. The Lunch Bunch will be munching at Kersey Bell on the 9th March.

The new programme taking us up to April 2024 is ready for printing and, once again, we look forward to hosting a variety of speakers and events. If you would like to come for a 'taster' evening just let us know and we will arrange to greet you at the door. We meet on the third Tuesday at 7.30pm in the Seminar Room of the Library. Contact the Secretary Glenn Abassis on 07870 312409 or the President Sheila Webb on 01473 827554.

The Friends of St. Mary’s Church Hadleigh YEARLY MEETING

Friday 21st April 2023 at 6.30 p.m. 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

Hadleigh Revisited

Hadleigh Town Council Archives group are holding an exhibition of photographs of Hadleigh Revisited in the Guildroom on the weekend of Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th March from 10 am to 4 pm. Many of the photographs were taken within living memory. For new residents they will offer a picture of what has made Hadleigh the super Town that they have come to live in, and for those of us who have lived here a number of years they are a reminder of some of the people and places that we knew. There will be a few pictures of Hadleigh that were taken over a hundred years ago.

The pictures are mainly of people, places, shops, transport and schools. A reminder of Hadleigh’s recent past and present.mUsing the Guildroom for the venue is also a reminder of how fortunate we are to have this unique centre of our Town, the Grade One listed buildings of the Church, Deanery Tower and Guildhall complex. We are so used to these buildings that we forget they have served the Town for hundreds of years and are still working buildings, not museums. Entrance is £2 a head, (to cover expenses) and free for children. The Archives group hope you will enjoy our selection of photographs, and whilst looking at them you might wish to add your memories of Hadleigh to the Archives collection.

Hadleigh Optimists Group

This Group is designed for adults with sight loss and is supported by the charity "Suffolk Sight". We gather together monthly on the 2nd Thursday, from 10am to 12 noon. We meet in the URC Community Room during the winter months and go out and about when it is warmer. Members are welcome to bring a companion with them, and transport can be provided if needed. Our indoor activities include quizzes, musical entertainment from local groups, sharing experiences, visiting speakers and chats over tea or coffee and cake. The trips out will also include refreshments or a full meal, and every year our outing to The Hut at Felixstowe is especially enjoyed.

New members are very welcome:

Contact: Valerie Parmenter on 824991 or Barbara Breeze on 808835

Above the Parapet

Cllr Mick Fraser - Suffolk County Council Babergh District Council – Hadleigh South

Suffolk’s Budget 2023/24

Suffolk County Council has approved an increase in Council Tax of 3.99 per cent, equating to a £57.51 rise for a Band D property, to £1,496.43 in 2023-24. Council Tax comprises an element relating to county-wide services and an element for the Social Care Precept, with the rise consisting of:

1. An increase in the Council Tax relating to county-wide services of £28.73 for a Band D property, from £1,279.17 in 2022-23 to £1,307.90 in 2023-24, a rise equivalent to a 1.99 per cent increase in Council Tax.

2. An increase in the Social Care Precept ringfenced to help fund Adult Social Care of £28.78 for a Band D property, from £159.75 in 2022- 23 to £188.53 in 2023-24, a rise equivalent to a 2.00 per cent increase in Council Tax.

I supported this budget, because a lower general CT increase would have resulted in the loss of vital services, which might have included the closure of Hadleigh’s Household Waste Recycling Centre. As the governing party at Suffolk, the Conservative Group had the ability to increase Council Tax by up to 5%, of which 2% consisted of the Social Care Precept. Given the financial strain many households are challenged with, decided on a lower increase whilst making further savings and mitigations from the overall budget. The opposition Green, Lib Dem, and Independent members called for a greater increase of 4.89%, which would have hit hard pressed families further.

The proposed gross expenditure budget for 2023/24 is £1.117 billion with a net expenditure budget (i.e. net of service specific grants, fees and charges) for 2023/24 is increasing to £687.6 million. 75% of Suffolks budget is spent on Adult Care Services and Children and Young People, the most vulnerable in our society. But, I am very pleased that the budget contains £0.5 million of service enhancements to provide additional resources for highway maintenance. We were also able to save children’s music learning and development funding of £30k which was felt to be hugely important.

James Cartlidge’s Employment and Careers Fair

I was delighted to attend the Employment and Careers Fair hosted by James last month and it was incredibly informative to meet and speak with many of our local industries and businesses who need to recruit dedicated workers and apprentices. One issue that struck me in particular, was the work that Babergh is doing in assisting the many young people who struggle with mental health and wellbeing issues. Their health and wellbeing team provide a vital helping hand-up service to assist those who are very challenged in finding suitable employment commensurate to their needs.

Councillor Surgery

I hold my surgery on the third Saturday of the month with the next being at 11:00 on Saturday 18th March 2023 in the anti-room of the Royal British Legion Club, George Street.

Should you need to speak to me concerning an issue that affects you, then please contact me at - email: mick.fraser@suffolk.gov.uk or mick.fraser@babergh.gov.uk; Tel: 0793 551 2591; or Facebook: @mickfraser4hadleigh, Twitter: @mick_fraser. Highways faults can be reported at: https://highwaysreporting.suffolk.gov.uk/ or by telephone: 0345 606 6171.

Gallows Hill Allotments

We have some vacant plots available on Gallows Hill Allotments, if anyone is interested please contact Mark Shepperson on 07973 141834.

Mick with James and Ladies from Suffolk’s recruiting stand

Hadleigh Town Council

Thursday 15th December 2022 at 7pm held in The Grand Hall, Hadleigh Town Hall, Market Place, Hadleigh Present Councillors Beggerow, Gower, Knock, Loftus, Roberts, Schleip, Shearly-Sanders, Talbot, Wilson and Wiltshire

In Attendance Town Clerk and 1 member of public (and 2 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.

Apologies Apologies for absence were received from Councillors McLeod, Pryor and Monks.

Approval of absence Proposed by Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor Loftus the absence of Councillors McLeod, Pryor and Monks were approved. Vote = 7 For, 0 Against, 2 Abstain

Declarations of Interest Councillor Schleip declared an other registrable interest in HTC22.468 Hadleigh Grand Feoffment Charity as she is a Trustee. Councillor Shearly-Sanders declared an other registrable interest in HTC22.468 Hadleigh Grand Feoffment Charity as he is a Trustee. Councillor Beggerow declared a non-registrable interest in HTC22.454, HTC22.455 and HTC22.456 due to him being the Treasurer of Hadleigh United Football Club. Councillor Talbot declared a non- registrable interest in HTC22.447 Payment Schedule due to knowing someone who is listed.

Dispensations There was no consideration of dispensations.

Minutes from meeting 17th November 2022 Proposed by Councillor Schleip, seconded by Councillor Gower it was agreed to approve the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 17th November 2022. Vote = 7 For, 0 Against, 2 Abstain

Reports Reports from Suffolk County Council & Babergh District Council Ward Councillors were noted. Councillor Fraser congratulated staff for their superb efforts with the Light Switch On & Christmas Market Event on 3rd December 2022. Councillor Fraser gave an update on grit bins on Weavers Meadow and still awaiting locations. Councillor Fraser wished everyone a happy Christmas. A question was asked regarding affordable housing at brownfield land mentioned in the report and who was it affordable for?

Councillor Fraser confirmed no details yet available. It was mentioned that there are complaints on Facebook regarding gritting and that car parks have not been gritted (particularly the one on High Street). Councillor Fraser agreed to ask Babergh District Council to ensure this is gritted. Councillor Fraser and his colleagues were thanked for their contribution to the Dentaid visit Councillor Talbot arrived at 07:10pm.

Reports

Councillor Dawson mentioned that green space at Manor Gardens development is due to be handed over to Babergh District Council in January 2023. She also spoke about the Persimmon’s development and residents’ concerns, there will be a meeting on Monday 9th January 2023 with Arthur Charvonia to address residents’ concerns. A question was asked about a path around the back of Manor Gardens as the surface is very slippery. Councillor Dawson confirmed that Public Realm said that all people have a duty of care for themselves and will not grit or change anything else. It was said that path near housing for older people should be gritted as they are uneven. Councillor Dawson responded that the path complies with legislation. It was stated that the retaining wood is broken. Councillor Dawson suggested to contact Nick Elliott.

Councillor Knock raised a point of order as he believed the outcome of a recent Code of Conduct investigation should be on the agenda as per Standing Order 14d. The Town Clerk advised that she was awaiting clarification.

Councillor Knock stated that there was no right of appeal. The Town Clerk repeated her previous comment. The Chair refused the point of order and stated that the Town Clerk did not have to answer any questions.

Public Forum A member of the public said that under item 6 – budget for 23/24 the Council is being asked to consider and receive budget with the figures accompanied by the report but he does understand the budget report and there is no comparison for 22/23 budget figures. It was mentioned that some of the figures are wrong.

Finance (Payment Schedules) Proposed by Councillor Beggerow, seconded by Councillor Schleip 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, 1 Abstain

Budget 23/24 Proposed by Councillor Loftus, seconded by Councillor Gower the version 3 of the 2023/24 budget was received and considered. Vote = 7 For, 2 Against, 1 Abstain. Proposed by Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor Beggerow the recommendation from Council Matters that an earmarked reserve of £10,000 per annum should be opened to deal with the rubber mulch at Corks Lane Play Area was agreed. Vote = 8 For, 0 Against, 2 Abstain

Grant Evaluation Forms The following Grant Evaluation forms were noted: Visit Hadleigh; Hadleigh in Bloom

Grant Application – St Mary’s Hadleigh Parochial Church Council Proposed by Councillor Shearly-Sanders, seconded by Councillor Schleip it was agreed to award £1913.20 to St. Mary’s Hadleigh Parochial Church Council for Pop-Up events providing food and activities for residents of Hadleigh. Vote = 8 For, 0 Against, 2 Abstain

Grant Application – Hadleigh In Bloom Proposed by Councillor Loftus, seconded by Councillor Beggerow it was agreed to award £3,000 to Hadleigh in Bloom for hanging baskets for the High Street for spring/summer 2023.

Vote = 8 For, 0 Against, 2 Abstain

Cemetery Lodge Proposed by Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor Loftus it was agreed to spend £2,579 + VAT for repairs to chimney stacks and roof/guttering cleaning. Vote = 10 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain

Cemetery Project It was noted that the cemetery project is now completed, and costs associated with the post-groundworks to become fully operational, with additional new offers available, were £18,953, under the budget of £21,100 by £2,147. Marketing will now take place in January and ongoing for the cemetery as a whole but with a focal point of the natural burial offer. Councillor Roberts raised a point of order to request that agenda items use ‘To consider’ or ‘To approve’ or To agree’ rather than ‘To note’. The Chair stated that we would now discuss agenda item 11. During the discussion below a query was raised about why Councillor Beggerow was remaining in the room for the discussion, the Town Clerk stated that Councillor Beggerow had declared an interest and a question was then asked about what the nature of the interest was. The Chair stated that it was not for the Council to decide whether Councillor Beggerow remained in the room.

Pavilion Business Plan The draft pavilion business plan which is to be adapted for use when applying for funding was noted.

LRSG Pavilion – Grant Applications Proposed by Councillor Talbot, seconded by Councillor Beggerow it was agreed to approve the Projects & Finance Officer to begin making the grant applications identified whilst still working towards the remaining funding avenues shown as unidentified in the draft plan. Vote = 10 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain

LRSG Pavilion – Architect Spend Proposed by Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor Wiltshire a motion was proposed ‘To agree spend of £810 + VAT from LRSG Project budget and up to £1,500 + VAT from Climate Change Activities budget for the Architects to write an FA plan check and review Passivhaus and Suffolk Net Carbon Toolkit and provide recommendations. After a vote the motion was agreed. Vote = 10 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain. Proposed by Councillor Shearly-Sanders, seconded by Councillor Wiltshire the above motion was agreed. Vote = 10 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain

Recruitment Process Review Panel Proposed by Councillor ShearlySanders, seconded by Councillor Wilson it was agreed to move to the next item. A recorded vote was requested 4 For (Councillors Gower, Loftus, Shearly-Sanders and Wilson), 4 Against (Councillors Knock, Roberts, Talbot and Wiltshire, 2 Abstain (Councillors Beggerow and Schleip). The Chair used his casting vote to vote For the motion.

Councillor Knock left the room at 8:34pm and did not return. The meeting was suspended at 8:35pm . The meeting reconvened at 8:40pm

Recommendations from Recruitment Process Review Panel Proposed by Councillor Loftus, seconded by Councillor Gower it was agreed to accept the recommendations of the Recruitment Process Review Panel. A recorded vote was requested 5 For (Councillors Gower, Loftus, Roberts, Shearly-Sanders and Wilson), 1 Against (Councillor Wiltshire), 3 Abstain (Councillors Beggerow, Schleip and Talbot)

Recommendation by Councillor Roberts Proposed by Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor Wiltshire it was agreed to accept the recommendation

of Councillor Roberts. After a vote the above was not agreed. A recorded vote was requested 2 For (Roberts and Wiltshire), 6 Against (Councillors Beggerow, Gower, Loftus, Schleip, Shearly-Sanders and Wilson), 1 Abstain (Councillor Talbot)

Covid Measures – Social Distancing Proposed by Councillor Beggerow, seconded by Councillor Loftus, it was agreed that social distancing of tables and chairs will continue. Vote = 8 For, 1 Against, 0 Abstain

Covid Measures – Lateral Flow Testing Proposed by Councillor Gower, seconded by Councillor Shearly-Sanders it was agreed that lateral flow testing will continue to be recommended. Vote = 9 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain

Covid Measures – Microphone Use Proposed by Councillor Gower, seconded by Councillor Shearly-Sanders it was agreed to continue the use of microphones with associated costs. Vote = 9 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain

Covid Measures - Zoom Proposed by Councillor Shearly-Sanders, seconded by Councillor Beggerow it was agreed to continue to stream meetings via Zoom. Vote = 9 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain

Member/Officer Protocol Proposed by Councillor Loftus, seconded by Councillor Beggerow it was agreed to amend 5e of the Member/Officer Protocol. Vote = 9 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain. Proposed by Councillor Beggerow, seconded by Councillor Loftus the Member/Officer Protocol was agreed subject to an amendment to 5e. Vote = 8 For, 1 Against, 1 Abstain Disciplinary Policy Proposed by Councillor Shearly-Sanders, seconded by Councillor Loftus the Disciplinary Policy was agreed. Vote = 7 For, 1 Against, 1 Abstain

Exclusion of the press and public Proposed by Councillor Loftus, seconded by Councillor Shearly-Sanders it was agreed to exclude 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

Minutes (Confidential Session) The minutes of the confidential session on 17th November 2022 were approved. Vote = 7 For, 0 Against, 2 Abstain

Councillor Schleip and Shearly-Sanders left room at 9:08pm

Hadleigh Grand Feoffment Charity The letters were reviewed and agreed.

Vote = 5 For, 0 Against, 2 Abstain

Future Meetings The next scheduled meeting will be on Thursday 19th January 2023 at 7pm.

Close of Meeting The meeting closed at 9:20pm.

Wendy Brame, Town Clerk, 20th December 2022

Congratulations!

I am sure everybody that knows Ron and Sylvia Barton would like to wish them a wonderful 60th Wedding Anniversary on March 2nd. Sylvia has taught so many people in Hadleigh the joy of swimming over many years, and of course is so well known because of it. Congratulations to you both from many of your Hadleigh friends, both at the pool and around the town.

Have a wonderful celebration, Margaret Davey

Ebony’s Blog

Life at The Shelley Centre

We survived February despite the Easterly winds, the frozen surface of the arena, Alfie and Parys having mobility issues and lots of volunteers being off sick or on holiday! What complicated lives you humans lead. The herd is missing its ‘mum’, Lyn who is recovering from illness at home but her friend Abi is helping the Team look after all the equine interests. Naturally Babs and I are no bother, we just listen to the gossip and try to report on Shelley happenings.

My photo this month show the intrepid pupils from Chalk Hill Academy being taught by our Chairman Jan. A rare moment of sun and warmth has them competing in two-aside races to fetch objects from one end of the arena and hand over to their partner at the other end. The boys may claim that they can trot canter and gallop like all the good cowboys do, but the mere fact of being mounted on a live animal and under instruction from no-nonsense Jan focusses them on the realities of behaving well, listening to instructions, being responsible and treating volunteers and ponies with respect. It’s a great Thursday morning showcase for what we do. Thanks chaps!

Here's hoping you are all feeling a Spring in your steps now that those two dismal months are behind us. The live herd is beginning to taste new grass, and the daffs are struggling to appear on our drive way (where everyone parks...)

Website: www.rda-east.org.uk/shelley.html

Telephone: 01473 824172

John Day

29.05.1947 - 29.11.2022

Thank you to everyone for the kind tributes made about John. He was a true legend and seeing everyone in church who came to say goodbye showed how much he was loved and respected. We all miss him terribly but now he is reunited with the love of his life Lesley and youngest son Lee.

Lorraine, Gary and family

Hadleigh and Boxford Patient Participation Group (PPG)

The statistics for pharmaceutical waste are shocking. In 2010 it was estimated £300 million of NHS prescribed medicines are wasted each year. As prescriptions have only increased in the intervening years and there has been no significant national action to halt the trend, we can safely assume the current total exceeds £300 million.

This sum represents approximately £1 in every £25 spent on primary care and community pharmaceutical and allied products use, and 0.3 per cent of total NHS outlays. It includes anestimated £90 million worth of unused prescription medicines that are retained in individuals’ homes at any one time, £110 million returned to community pharmacies over the course of a year, and £50 million worth of NHS supplied medicines that are disposed of, unused, by care homes. Although these are ‘national’ statistics, wastage at a local level feeds into those figures. What can we do to make a difference? There are several simple actions which could help reduce costs:-

• Always check your medicine allocation BEFORE you leave the pharmacy. Hand back any you do not need. Once you leave the premises the drugs become waste even though they have never been opened.

• Stop repeat prescriptions if you have sufficient at home. No need to stockpile ‘just in case’.

• Stop repeat prescriptions if you have ceased to take that medication. Patients are also encouraged to purchase some medicines e.g. paracetamol, over the counter. They are much cheaper than on prescription and save the NHS a considerable amount of money each year.

In conjunction with the PPG, the Hadleigh Boxford Medical Practice Charitable Trust, London Hearts and the Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service a new defibrillator has been installed on an outside wall of the Hadleigh Fire Station. Free defib training sessions with Community First Responders are available to all at the Hadleigh Pool and Leisure Centre on Saturday 11th March from 10a.m to 11a.m. Book at Leisure Centre or via Eventbrite. Details below The PPG and the Practice are waiting to hear about the Federated Data Platform (FDP). It seems our written requests to James Cartlidge MP for further transparency and public debate on the topic now rest with the Department for Health and Social Care. We await their reply with interest. If you would like to know more visit the FDP debate. See below for details. Eventbrite www.eventbrite.com (search Hadleigh Community Defibrillator Awareness Session)

NHS Ref: www.england.nhs.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2015/06/pharmaceutical-waste-reduction.pdf

FDP: www.digitalhealth.net/2022/09/a-networks-debate-on-thefederated-data-platform/ www.hadleighhealth.co.uk

Facebook: Hadleigh-Boxford-Group-Practice

PPG Chair Email: deveys@btinternet.com

01473 827091

Valerie Scarfe 20.3.39 - 13.3.20

Often in our thoughts - Always in our hearts. Loving memories from your daughters Elaine & Julie and all your family and many friends.

Hadleigh Cricket Club

As I write this, the weather is gradually becoming more springlike, and preparations for the upcoming season are underway at Hadleigh Cricket Club. Our indoor training sessions at St Joseph’s College have been well attended, and it has been wonderful to see all of the senior teams represented, with everyone working hard to hone their skills.

The junior team are busy planning our summer training sessions, and the popular Allstars and Dynamos programmes are already on sale - visit our website www.hadleighcricketclub.com for more information.

Off the pitch, in addition to nearing completion on the new decking, we have taken delivery of a new oven to upgrade our kitchen facilities. Both elements will enhance the pavilion not only for club events, but also for future hirings. Our annual quiz night was the first event in our busy social calendar, and was a great success. Congratulations to our winning team The Slammers. We will be showing all of England’s Six Nations rugby games live on our big screen and the bar will be open, so why not pop down to sample the legendary HCC hospitality for yourself?

Claire Levitt Social Secretary

Please write to: Kelvin Avis

68 High Street, Hadleigh, Ipswich IP7 5EF or email: kelvin@keithavis.co.uk

Dear Sir,

I read in the February edition of Hadleigh Community News a letter praising the efforts of a Good Samaritan who had taken it upon himself to clear the footpath leading into Hadleigh from Upper Layham. Perhaps some more recent work has been carried out on the path, but Mr John Cunningham of Hadleigh has cleared some of it. He has also recently cleaned leaves and soil off the wooden steps of a footbridge over the River Brett.

John was evacuated to my village in the Midlands during World War II, and spent some happy wartime years there while his mother did some work for my grandparents. He remembers being rocked by the largest explosion in the U.K., when an ammunition dump blew up several miles away.

I have been fascinated to hear of John’s other voluntary work around Hadleigh, which, although he is approaching his ninetieth year, includes repairing old walls, sawing and removing fallen trees, planting snowdrops around Hadleigh, and working as treasurer at Ansell Centre Charity clubs. John has been helping a young Nepalese doctor to come to this country and qualify as a GP. To help the young man get to work, John recently gave him his car.

Mrs Jean Howarth(Derbyshire)

Dear Sir,

I wish to thank all Hadleigh residents who supported my fund-raising for the Blossom Appeal which is raising funds for a new Breast Care Centre at Ipswich Hospital. Some of you may know that I had three operations for breast cancer not long ago and I know future patients will really appreciate the fantastic new and much needed facilities at the hospital.

Thank you to the many residents who came to my dinner, the Babergh Chairman’s Charity Fund-raising Dinner held at Royal Hospital School and the local people who supported it in other ways too. Thank you to those who bought tickets for the Grand Raffle and to Steve O’Leary who donated the first prize of a special stay at The Marquis Hotel with dinner. My thanks to artist Cris Coe who donated a beautiful bronze sculpture and to Sheila Bradboork who donated an apartment stay in Majorca for the auction. And special thanks go to Stuart Service, Sheila Bradbrook and Jenny Hone who gave up so much time to be on my committee. The great news is that we raised £11,136 for the Blossom Appeal. Time is approaching for the local elections - you will be asked to vote for Babergh District and Hadleigh Town Councillors on 4th May. For the first time voters will be asked to supply photo ID. There are many different options, such as passport, driving licence, Blue Badge and other choices, but if you do not have any photo ID you can apply for free Voter ID to Vote (Voter Authority Certificate) on the Government web site. Alternatively, you can contact Babergh who can arrange for a paper application or help you with voting ID in general.

I would be most grateful to any residents who would be prepared to help deliver leaflets for me if I decide to stand again in the Babergh District election. Please let me know at Kathryn@Guthrumhouse .co.uk Thank you.

Cllr Kathryn Grandon Chairman of Babergh District Council and District Councillor for Hadleigh South

Dear Sir,

I recently met a wonderful lady who goes to Ukraine twice a year - April and November. She supports a day/boarding school that caters for the needs of children 5-16 years old whose parents have a very low income, disadvantaged children e.g. deafness, and other reasons. They desperately need pens,

pencils and notebooks. She takes out clothing for the summer and for the winter. She particularly (but not only!) finds difficulty in obtaining clothes in good condition for boys, especially the older boys. The advantage is that you know the donated items are delivered directly to the those who will benefit. Please feel free to contact me and I will ensure she has the donations in good time for her summer and winter journeys.

Sheila Webb 01473 827554

Dear Sir,

Many people, me included, are wondering why the work on the old Council Officers at Corks Lane has come to a grinding halt. As of the end of February, no work has been done on the site for three months and it's totally locked down. As a reminder, Babergh decided to develop the site itself for 57 new flats/houses rather than sell it to a developer who would take the risk of building in an area prone to flooding. I expressed concern at a Babergh Full Council meeting on this matter last October, when the first problems with the interface between the old listed & the newer 1980s buildings became apparent, only to be assured that this was a temporary glitch that was anticipated and it would have no impact on the completion dates or costs. Completion (57 properties) they said would be in April 2024.

As the site had been locked down for 3 months with absolutely no sign of work restarting, I raised the matter with the Babergh District Cabinet Member again at the Full Council meeting in Ipswich on 20th February. I asked for an update on the completion date and any impact on costs to Babergh in light of the 3 month on-going stoppage of work. I can only describe the response to my question as complacent and insulting as it could be summarised as "what problem it will be completed on time and on cost?".

It beggars belief that the Babergh Councillor responsible for the development, really believes that this development will be completed by April 2024 and within the current costs. Three month lockdowns have to come at a price that someone somewhere will have to pay. My real concern now is that the residents of Babergh will eventually pick up the tab for this delay and that price could be significant.

Alan Ferguson

Project Linus UK

Why Project Linus? Remember the fictional character Linus Van Pelt in the Charles M Shulz’s comic strip Peanuts? He always appeared sucking his thumb and hugging his ‘comfort’ blanket. What better name then for an organisation dedicated to creating and delivering such blankets?

The Project began in America In 1995 when Karen Loucks saw a newspaper article showing how much a comfort blanket had helped a child cancer victim. She decided to organise blankets for her local children’s cancer unit and started spreading the word. Since that time several million blankets and quilts have been delivered worldwide. The organisation began in the UK in March 2000 as a result of a Birmingham quilter’s desire to help children in need. There is now a large network of volunteers across the UK, who donate their time and skills to create beautiful knitted blankets and quilts. Hadleigh can boast its own industrious group of blanket knitters. If you enjoy knitting and need a reason for prodding away each day, why not join our happy band of dedicated knitters? Patterns and suggested blanket sizes are all available on the following website or from me, Jan Devey. Donations of wool are always welcome from non or ex-knitters. Our area rep, Philippa Knights, makes sure that finished items reach the folks that need them. Philippa reports an increase in demand for really large blankets in gender neutral colours for teenagers as those with mental issues find them comforting.

Jan:- deveys@btinternet.com 01473 827091

https://projectlinusuk.org.uk/patterns-and-tutorials/knitted-blankets/

Hadleigh Community Forum

Tuesday 14 February 2023

Welcome: The Chair welcomed everyone

Report of the last meeting: Accepted

Matters Arising: Car Parking Strategy, which should have been on the agenda today, was cancelled due to an update meeting that was to take place sometime after HCF. The updated strategy could not therefore have been presented. In addition, following this, the council will go into purdah before the May elections.

Standard Updates

Hadleigh Town Council (HTC)

Repair Café will be on the 18 February from 10am – 1pm in the Dining Room and it is hoped to run every two anyone willing to share skills please contact Wendy or Marta in the office. Repair skills will be free but any materials used will be charged. Local Green Spaces in the Neighbourhood Plan. Everyone is urged to complete the survey – link on HTC website – to ensure that our green spaces remain just that. It is important for everyone to say how they use them and how important they are. The survey will go before an independent assessor, not the landowners who do not have the right of veto, for designations and then will be incorporated into the Neighbourhood Plan Consultations regarding the survey will be undertaken at schools and Morrisons. The survey needs to be completed before 12 March.

Mayor’s Quiz night for his charities (Ansell Centre Lunch Club and Memories Café) on Friday 3 March, 7pm for 7.30pm in the Town Hall. £5. Email town clerk to book.

King’s Coronation Big Lunch: Sunday 7 May – free event in the Deanery Gardens.

Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Council (Bdc)

The Chairman’s Fund-Raising Dinner for the Blossom Appeal raised £11,136. Family Fun Day 28 July in Coxies Park (behind HPL) – details to follow

Free computer skills training, to encourage confidence in using computers, at the Library, first Thursday of the month – all welcome.

Road closure for the Friday market is confirmed as permanent to assist growth and support businesses.

There is a Hardship Fund which can be accessed through the BDC website. Council tax reduction scheme also in place, can be applied for. If you are entitled to this, then you will automatically be entitled to a reduction of bills from Anglian Water.

Assistance by a member of BDC with applying for funding will be at the Library on a Wednesday afternoon.

May elections: Remember that you have to take photo ID with you to vote (unless you are a postal voter). Full list of acceptable ID is on the BDC website.

Stone edging to Angel Court still not repaired and six water meter access covers on pavement have sunk.

VISIT The two planters by the cycle racks in Maiden Way have been replanted with spring bulbs. Many groups and activities are still not on the VisitHadleigh website. Inclusion means more possible take-up at events and reduction of duplicating dates for events.

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.

St Marys Church Following the sad death of Brian Haylock, there will be an exhibition of his work at his memorial service in St Mary’s, Tues 21 Feb, and in place for the public to see until Sunday 26 Feb. Some of his commercial works, created before he came to Hadleigh, plus some of his writings, will also be on show.

Diary date: Saturday 21 October, Last Night of the Proms concert to include (inter alia) Hadleigh Orchestra, Serendipity and High School students. Appropriate “Last Night” dress will be encouraged.

We await the findings of a Conservator, brought in to study the panelling in the Vestry, before permission to start refurbishment work is given. The first Vestry tour is booked for May, alongside a Tower tour, for a local history group so we are hoping to have something to show them !

Permission has been sought from the Archdeacon to instal a new, vastly upgraded PA sound system in church. The current system regularly lets us down and is woefully inadequate for the various needs of the building. A visit to St Mary’s Ely, who have installed underfloor heating and a new stone floor, gave us a fresh way of looking at how we accomplish this Phase 1 of our renewal plans. A small fund-raising group has been set up and the overall cost for the entire project, including the much needed extension, looks to be in the region of £2.8m - £3.5m. Jo Wiltcher very kindly offered to help with her experience in applying for funding.

HEAT (Hadleigh Environmental Action Team) HEAT is soon to launch a Personal Hygiene Products campaign to increase use of biodegradable and reusable nappies, feminine hygiene and incontinence products. A visit to the Hadleigh Treatment (Sewage) works has highlighted the need to “put nothing down the loo but paper and poo.” The talk on bats at Benton End was attended by a capacity audience. A group to monitor bats in Hadleigh is being set up. Do get in touch if interested. A workshop to build bat boxes will also take place. The group is working with others in town that are interested in running forest schools where they can use the equipment funded by HTC and the Ann Beaumont Education Foundation. HEAT has been shortlisted for the Climate Coalition Green Community Hero award and two members will go to the award ceremony at the Houses of Parliament on 27 February.

Cost of living concerns Warm space venues are not being used as much as expected – the Pop-Up events are proving more popular. HPL are trying a different spin and offering quizzes and bingo to appeal more to the social interaction side. There is a bookcase in their café area and board games are available. The simple energy saving measures initiative is going well, uptake is good and HTC, with HEAT, continue to reach out to those attending warm spaces and Pop-Up events.

Hadleigh Men’s Shed: BDC is still assisting in the search for a permanent site. The Shed, in Black Swan Yard Benton Street, now has a workbench made out of donated wood and donated tools are coming in. The bank account is open and insurance is in place. The Shed is open on a Wednesday 10am – Noon and Weds evening 7pm – 9pm. Grateful thanks are offered to the owner of the premises who is covering the cost of electricity for the year. There is a Men’s Shed in Stowmarket and interest for one to start in Sudbury. It is hoped to be able to take on community requests from the summer.

A O B

What’s About Hadleigh? now has a full complement of stalls in the Grand Hall and the Dining Room. Further information will be in Hadleigh Community News.

Everyone is invited to celebrate the URC’s 50th anniversary at a service in the URC on Sunday 12 March at 3pm

There will be a careers Fair at the High School, organised by James Cartlidge – see Hadleigh Community News

The meeting closed at 5.22pm

Next Meeting: Tuesday 14 March 2023 @ 4:15pm

Hadleigh Pool and Leisure, Chair: Jane Snowdon

The Porch Project will be giving a presentation at the March meet

Report by District Cllr Dr Siân Dawson

Hadleigh North Ward

Dear Residents,

This will be one of the last reports prior to the Election. The main issue will be voting on the Budget, which Conservatives have agreed to support on the condition that there will be no introduction of parking fees. We anticipate parking charges will be introduced at some stage by the Independents and Greens after the election, as the Cabinet have just deferred implementation, and the Cabinet Member for Environment can implement at any time. However, the Independents will not do this until after the election knowing it will be unpopular. The general consensus by our Group is acceptance of the 2.99% increase in taxes will cover the cost of parking, enabling it to remain free. The Conservatives do not expect increased budget costs and parking!!

Hadleigh progress:

• Corks Lane remains a closed site, all work has stopped for over 3 months or is minimal. It is self evident, the Independents and Greens are unlikely to deliver a profitable project without severely reducing the quality of the build, i.e. no carpets, cheaper fittings etc at delivery. I am advised by the Independent Portfolio Holder Cllr Busby (Growth) that we are awaiting further information…in the meantime progress seems minimal and whilst the Independent Leader Cllr Ward advised flats may well be available June, ’23 I think this most unlikely!

• Belle Vue House, Sudbury – I received criticism by the Opposition when I highlighted at Planning Committee the fact that Churchills had architectural plans indicating they had no intention of retaining Belle Vue House and had considered demolition at the outset. Whilst they denied this, when I requested a condition to be included as part of the planning consideration, that demolition could not be considered. Churchill have now indicated they will not Appeal the proposal following refusal of their Planning last year. Babergh must realise it is a lost cause not wanted by residents. Let us hope Belle Vue will be retained and will be restored to the standard of East Hse in Hadleigh, which had great sentimentality to Hadleigh residents and has been fortuitously retained.

• Garden Waste - The Rainbow Cabinet of Independents, Labour and Green have increased the cost of garden and bulky waste collections in Babergh, which means residents will be paying almost £70 to start and £60 to renew the service. The District Councils Cabinet agreed to include new fees and charges in the draft budget.

• H.C.C. - Simon Gladwell Hadleigh Cricket Club kindly agreed to remove the banners off the historic wall and gate at the Cricket Ground. A number of people have commented on the half hung flapping banners, which also causes drivers to be distracted by the street furniture at the beginning of Gallows Hill. He kindly advised banners will be removed by the end of the week. All advertising within the ground will remain as this generates income for the Club.

• Locality Budget - I am delighted to support the Hadleigh Cricket Club with funding from my Locality Budget, which will go towards the junior section. The club has approximately 100 junior members who enjoy 12 weeks of coaching between mid-April and end of July. Could I encourage any youngsters interested to participate and go along and sign up for coaching sessions, sport is important for health and wellbeing as well as the enjoyment of the competition.

• Highway Waste - I have put in a request to have the bypass tidied up again – Persimmons walked the site but again plastic bags and boxes litter the roadside and whilst untidy is also dangerous for drivers. This is Suffolk County Council Highways responsibility and another request has also been made to clean the highway signs.

• Graffiti - I have requested the cleaning of the offensive graffiti on the park bench by the river at Toppesfield Gardens.

• The fallen tree over River Brett and blocking parts of the river is not Babergh’s responsibility. This has fallen from the Medical Centre who have been advised accordingly and will deal with the matter.

• Residents have contacted me about the environmental issues surrounding the removal of thistles. In areas of creeping thistle close to pathways and spreading in areas of meadow grass. As its names suggests, if untreated this plant can take over large area if left unchecked, resulting something of a monoculture in terms of flora. The areas of Public Open surrounding Manor Gardens along the river, these pathways are intended to be treated as wildflower grass mixes being cut twice a year in a “meadow” grass regime. This method of cultivation should mean wildflowers and grass seeds have time to develop, which will themselves be attractive to insects and other fauna. The value of thistles and similar plants as a part of a diverse range of flora and when we paid our site visit, we specified that only the areas within the public open space which was to be maintained as meadow grass would be treated for the thistle. Where it was growing at the fringes of these areas it was to be left untreated, We would hope in this way to maximize the variety of habitats to attract a corresponding variety of wildlife.

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

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