The Village Edition, January 2023

Happy

Year from Shelley RDA!

Happy New Year readers and may you look forward with hope and happiness - this time last year we were looking forward to having a new roof over the Centre, well, what a re-vamp that heralded.

Not only the wonderful new roof but some months later, a complete extension to the day room with a new kitchen and an office. It really is a five-star set-up now. Our grateful thanks to Chappelstone Developments Ltd, the two movers and shakers throughout the project Lyn Bensusan and Jan Derbyshire and, of course, our amazing benefactor David Tron, who made all this financially possible.

Looking out from my vantage point I can truly say it was a year to remember. Now to the four legged workers: all the equines take it in turns to have health issues just like our riders, but those who get ordered to box rest resent the lack of activity. Bryn had an abscess back in November so precious time in the arena was not to be wasted! Finally, a big welcome to Indy who is now incorporated into the team. Pictured here with Milly on a Friday ride one late November day last year. Indy instinctively knows how to be an RDA pony and seems very happy here. The two legged workers are having a long break over the Christmas period, save those that care for us lot of course. Thank you to all of the team that keeps us well and our fields in good nick. We couldn’t manage without you. www.shelleyrda.com Telephone: 01473 824172

Reports highlight huge investment, climate change action and support for communities across Babergh and Mid Suffolk

Titled ‘What have we done for you?’, the reports outline the impact of work carried out by Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council since the district council elections in 2019. They note the progress, achievements and key events as councillors on both authorities near the end of their term of office – with local elections in May 2023. Cllr John Ward, leader of Babergh District Council, said: “We’ve faced some unprecedented challenges, but can be proud of how we stepped up to those. We’ve been there for residents and businesses during some incredibly tough times, and will continue to be so. “But this report is not just about how we’ve responded to the challenges. It shows how we’ve improved communities and helped drive economic growth and opportunities for people too.” The reports cover the full breadth of the councils’ work including economic development, planning, supporting communities and tackling climate change. They outline the support given to thousands of residents and businesses during the pandemic, and the initial work during the cost-of-living crisis. They also map where millions of pounds in Community Infrastructure Levy payments have been made across both districts, funding everything from school extensions to village hall improvements. The reports are now available online, and will also be available to view on computers in local libraries and at the council customer access points in Stowmarket, Shotley, Hadleigh and Sudbury.

Both reports can be found at: https://www.babergh.gov.uk/thecouncil/performance/what-have-we-done-for-you-report

News from Lavenham Library

Top Time - Christmas Wreath Making Thank you to everyone who came to our Christmas Wreath Making event in December. Special thanks to Diane & Jean for organising such a fun and successful fundraiser for our library. So many creative designs and a lot of fun was had by all!

Top Time is our sociable drop-in group for all adults. We hold fortnightly Tuesday meetings from 2.30-4.00pm. We provide a wide range of events and activities that cover areas such as health & wellbeing and informative talks. Top Time returns in next year on Tuesday 10th January.

Baby Bounce/Tot Rock: Bring your tots and join us in the library for a fun session of active songs and rhymes for under 5s held every Thursday from 2pm-3pm during term time. The session involves 30 minutes of singing activities followed by half an hour of ‘Stay and Play’ where refreshments and chat can be enjoyed. It restarts on 12th January.

Lavenham Library, Lavenham Village Hall, CO10 9QT Tel No: 01787 247729 www.suffolklibraries.co.uk

Email: lavenham.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk

The Date – Saturday 20th May 2023

Hadleigh Show 2023 is well under way with planning in the busy stages, our schedules and judges are just about finalised as well as our entertainment across the show. Following our wonderful return to the show we are working hard to continue the happy Hadleigh feeling that was so evident across the show in 2022.

Our main display this year is the Shetland Pony Grand National. Adrenaline filled, competitive racing by children between the ages of 8 and 14 on the magnificent – yet not very tall – Shetland ponies over a serious of high paced races including jumps. This is a real crowd pleaser and we are actively encouraging you to get behind the teams! Alongside these amazing young people we have our traditional livestock and equine competitions, displays of machinery to see some big kit in action, a lorry tug of war, the Sheep Show, Dog and Sheep display and much, much more.

Tradestand bookings are looking very healthy and we will be filling the showground with locally produced food and drink, shopping opportunities and local businesses from across the region.

Ticket prices for 2023 have been held until the Monday of show week when they will go up slightly for adults and family tickets, we are holding 2022 prices for children, seniors and concessions throughout our sales period. We look forward to welcoming all of our amazing visitors back to Holbecks Park for Hadleigh Show 2023 and can’t wait to see those happy faces again. Tickets are available now from Keith Avis, Hadleigh, Hollow Trees Farm Shop, Semer and Boxford Post Office if you’d prefer to buy in person or can be purchased online via www.hadleighshow.co.uk

Polstead Christmas Fair

Polstead’s Christmas Fair on Sunday 4th December was a resounding success. The Village Hall was filled with a variety of stalls, from original artworks to wood-turning, from gardening to needlecraft, ceramics, bric-abrac and hand-made Christmas cards and wreaths.

There were the traditional Christmas favourites – tombola and a Christmas Raffle and of course ‘Guess the Weight of the Christmas Cake’ (4lb 8oz), which was won by Jayne Rowland of Polstead Heath. Hot drinks, bacon rolls and snacks were available throughout the day, served by willing volunteers in the kitchen. The event was enjoyed by many and raised well over £700 to replenish the Village Hall funds. Thanks go to all those who provided the stalls and to the many helpers who gave their time and energy to make the event happen. Thanks go especially to Angela May, the event’s organiser-in-chief.

Sudbury & District Citizens Advice

This time of year is always so expensive, with presents to buy and heating bills going up. I’ve seen offers for ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ when I’m doing online shopping. It seems like a good way to spread the cost of some of the things I need to get for my family but how can I make sure I don’t get into debt?

With everything getting more expensive, this is a really difficult time for a lot of people, so it’s sensible to be thinking about how you can manage. There are lots of things you can do to try and stay in control of your money.

Before you start spending, work out exactly what money you have coming in and going out each month. Be realistic about what you need for essentials like food and travel. Take a look at the budgeting tool on the Citizens Advice website, www.citizensadvice.or.uk This can help you set a budget you can stick to. You’ll also be able to find tips on how to reduce your regular living costs, which might be helpful if you’re struggling to keep within your budget. While it can be tempting to split payments with schemes like Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), you’ll need a plan to pay the money back. If you're using something like that repeatedly, you might be managing for now, but it could also be a sign that it's unaffordable in the long run. Keep a record of how much you owe in total.

Always make sure you understand what you’re signing up for, how you’ll make the repayments and what will happen if you can’t pay on time. It’s important to check the returns process for both the retailer and credit provider. Paying through BNPL may also affect the cost of postage returns if you’ve ordered online. The riskiest thing about it is that you’re not guaranteed to be protected if something goes wrong. For example, you can’t go to the Financial Ombudsman Service if you have a complaint. If you find yourself turning to credit cards, your overdraft, or store cards for your spending, keep track of what you owe. You should prioritise paying your rent or mortgage, plus energy bills and Council Tax first, because not paying these has the most serious consequences. On the Citizens Advice website, you can find information on what bills to prioritise and how to manage debts. There’s also information on the support available for paying these and other bills.

If, like many during this crisis, you find you can't afford to reduce your debts after paying your priority bills and essentials, seek advice as soon as possible. If you need specific support or don’t feel able to manage your situation alone, call our debt helpline: 0800 240 4420. Everyone’s circumstances are different, particularly when it comes to managing personal finances. Our advisers are here to help you find a way forward.

For information and advice on this or anything else, visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk or call Sudbury and District Citizens Advice on 01787 321400 and leave a message and someone will call you back when available. We will attempt three times to call you back, so please expect a call from a withheld number.

Alternatively, contact us via email at advice@sudburycab.org.uk or visit www.sudburycab.org.uk/contact

The Revival of Benton End

A paradise of Pollen and Paint Talk by Lucy Skellorn

Sunday 22 January 4 pm at the Constable Memorial Hall, Gandish Rd, East Bergholt CO7 6TP. A talk about the history of an artist’s residence, a school and a plantsman’s paradise, set in Hadleigh and home to Sir Cedric Morris and Arthur Lett Haines. Garden Museum of London, and a dedicated Board of Trustees, are preparing to open Benton End again as a place to celebrate and learn about art and horticulture. Lucy trained in fine art and is researcher for the Benton End House and Garden Trust.

Tickets £12 (members £9) More information and tickets via www.svam.org.uk or svamtickets@btinternet.co.uk Tel: 01206 298426

The KBB Centre is a local family run business based in Ipswich

Owned and managed by brothers Roger and Patrick Peck, they have over 60 years combined knowledge with their family having been in the kitchen and bathroom industry in Suffolk since the mid 70’s. In the early 1970’s Roger and Patrick’s late father, Alan Peck, started a home improvement business in Ipswich called Star Lines. It had a very catchy advertising jingle, with many locals singing ‘Let’s go down to Star Lines’ to the tune of Mike Oldfield’s In Dulce Jublio. People still remember it to this day. Star Lines was the ahead of its time back then, being the first Kitchen and Bathroom showroom in Ipswich.

Both Roger and Patrick worked at Star Lines during their youth, and although they went on to do other things in the industry throughout the years, they came back to their roots and established KBB in 2003 and over the last 15 years they have built up the business with hard work, long hours, determination and an eye for detail.

Carrying on their family tradition the brothers strive to encourage people to shop local and support their independent businesses. They say “The kitchen and bathroom industry has changed immensely since the Star Lines days. There is now so much competition from chain stores and online shopping. When you buy online or from a lot of large chains or faceless superstores, you’re just a statistic, an order which has to be fulfilled and you will most likely be forgotten. When you buy from a small business, such as ourselves, your purchase – no matter how big or small – means a great deal. You will also receive a more personal, caring service and get more value for your money. We like to build a relationship with our customers and give advice and recommendations when needed. Large organisations with an abundance of customers often don’t care about the customer, as long as a sale has been made and their statistics look good. However, we rely on word of mouth. We understand that we need to provide the best service possible in order to be recommended to others. We believe buying locally from local people is so important. Our service is from people who really care and have been in the local industry for many years. It makes a huge difference to where and how you shop.

The KBB Centre, Unit 2, 85 Dales Road, Ipswich IP1 4JR Tel: 01473 742200. info@kbbeastanglia.co.uk www.thekbbcentre.co.uk

Kersey Table Tennis Club

We are a small and friendly club and welcome players of all abilities. The purpose of the club is social and recreational. We do not play competition. We operate from Kersey Village Hall on Thursday evenings between 7.30pm and 9.00pm. Our fees are: Adults £2.50 for one hour or £3.00 for the full session, Juniors (under 18) £2.00 irrespective of duration.

Contact: Adrian Blyth 01473827805 (amblyth1@gmail.com)

Whatfield Salvation Army

Thank you to all who attended and supported the Christmas Tree and Decoration Display. Also a big thank you for Marst Agri Ltd for sponsoring the event. Money raised at this event will go for the up keep of the Salvation Army Hall.

Mermaids’

Lunch

The Mermaids’ swimming group hung up their costumes in favour of sparkly seasonal attire to enjoy a Christmas lunch together at The George, Hintlesham. It was the perfect opportunity for them to get to know their fellow swimmers while sitting rather than on the move swimming the lengths of Letts Pool. The small group of 6 meet there every Tuesday afternoon for a leisurely swim in the heated, non-chlorinated waters of this luxury private pool. Although there are six mermaids in the group they are supported by as many reserves who are happy to step/flop in for anyone who is unable to swim.

By popular request, a second group, Mermaids Mark 2 has been formed. They will meet on a Thursday morning from 8.00 am to 9.00 am. Reserves for this group are being recruited. If you are a lover of warm water, maybe a timid swimmer, not so keen to prance around a public pool in your cossie or just happy to swim now and again then I would love to hear from you.

For further information contact Jan Devey - deveys@btinternet.com 01473 827091 or 07881 798999

Hadleigh

The members of Brett Valley Lodge No. 9479 agreed to mark this exceptional achievement in some fitting way, so after getting financial support from their Mother Lodge, The Lodge of Virtue & Silence No. 332, they approached the council’s of Hadleigh and Babergh District for their approval. The chosen site was on the grass area in front of Toppesfield Gardens down by the river Brett, coincidentally the river that Brett Valley Lodge derived its name. At the planting of the tree were members of both Lodges including the current masters, Richard Payne of Lodge 9479 and Dean Nuttall of Lodge 332. Also supporting the event was the Chairperson of Babergh District Council, Cllr. Kathryn Grandon.

The English Oak with its long lifespan seemed a fitting memorial for Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Brett Valley Lodge were also pleased to present cheques to three local charities just in time for Christmas with £150 to ‘Inspire Suffolk’, a charity dedicated to supporting local young people onto a positive future, £150 to ‘Hadleigh Elderly Peoples Welfare Committee’, who provide shopping vouchers for the over 70s in Hadleigh and our regular donation of £100 to ‘The Christmas Present Trust’ who provide a free festive lunch to any local person or family who finds themselves alone on Christmas Day. Members of The Lodge of Virtue and Silence were also delighted to be able to donate 2 collapsible camping trolleys to Gloria Powell of Hadleigh Guides.

Charity Steward Bobby Gales oversaw the whole project after speaking to Gloria and the trolleys will be invaluable on camping trips for the guides and their other events. Master Dean Nuttall was pleased to personally hand over the trolleys at the Christmas meeting on 14th December.

A very cold Saturday 10th December, 2022 saw the planting of an English Oak Tree by the two Hadleigh Masonic Lodges to commemorate the long reign of Her late Majesty.

Bildeston Primary School

Learning and Growing Together

What an amazing autumn term we have had and busy too! Christmas at Bildeston Christmas was wonderful at Bildeston Primary. We had our Christingle in school singing Christmas songs with prayers read by our year 6 pupils and then the lighting of our Christingles. It was really lovely to see all of the candles lit. We also had our KS2 performance and our KS1 nativity. It was wonderful to be able to have all of our parents back into school to share these events with.

Our kitchen staff prepared Christmas lunch for all of the children and staff served them at their tables. They had crackers from our PTFA and they had all made their own Christmas hats.

Rock Steady Music Club

Pupils who go to our band every week put on a concert for their parents at the end of term. They have all done amazingly well, learning new instruments and singing in front of parents. The club is a highlight of their week!

St Elizabeth Hospice Our chosen charity for Christmas was St Elizabeth Hospice. We had a ‘Decorate a Star’ competition, a hamper raffle and the final day of term was a dress down day where the children also donated to the charity. We raised the huge sum of £778. Florence, Rupert and Poppy won the star competition and they each took home a brand new book to enjoy.

KS2 Residential

Fun was had by all at our KS2 residential which was held at Norfolk Lakes. Whilst cold, the children enjoyed so many wonderful activities including canoeing, orienteering, scavenger hunts, climbing and sailing – Mrs Shaw capsized into the cold water!!!! The children thought it was funny but we are not sure she did!!

If you are considering Bildeston Primary as a school for your child, we would welcome a visit. Please phone the office on the number below. We would love to meet you.

Bildeston Primary School Newberry Road, Bildeston, IP7 7ES Telephone: 01449 740269 www.bildeston.suffolk.sch.uk

Stour Valley U3A

Make the most of life once you’re no longer in full time work and come and explore new ideas, interests and skills. Across the country U3A members are learning, staying active, meeting new people and having fun later in life. It’s local, social, friendly, low cost and open to all. We have over 40 interest groups including walking - from strollers to 5+ milers - theatre, garden visits, art appreciation, curry club, science group, keep fit, pickleball...there’s something for everyone. Monthly coffee mornings are held on the first Friday of the month 10am - 12pm at the Lambe School, East Bergholt. Our monthly lectures are held on the second Wednesday 2pm at Constable Hall, East Bergholt. Lecture on 11th January Andrew Baker ‘Amidst doom and gloom, ought we to celebrate?’. Every day seems to bring news of some disaster. But we are living through an era of unprecedented progress. Challenging insights with which to start a new year.

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

Cost of living crisis: Free course starting in Hadleigh helping local people survive a winter of soaring bills

Debt help charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is offering people in Hadleigh free access to their Money course in bid to keep low-income families afloat. Hadleigh Baptist Church are offering anyone a place on their free CAP Money course this January 2023, in a bid to help those on low incomes survive the winter months in the face of the cost of living crisis. The CAP Team in Hadleigh, say “Many local families living on a low income are already in a financial crisis due to widespread rising costs. The recent energy price rise, combined with all the other price increases, will result in debt, destitution, and desperation for thousands of local people this winter.”

“That’s one of the reasons we’re running CAP’s Money course this January. It’s a friendly short course designed to help people create workable budgets, helping you see exactly what you are spending, how you could save money and prioritise your spending to include the things you really need or want to do.”

“People are facing unparalleled financial challenges right now. Getting our money under control, preparing a budget and having a clear picture of what’s coming in and going out is the first essential step to navigating our way through the next few months and possibly years.”

Emma who joined a Money course says, ”It’s not just about helping someone with money but it’s about people getting their freedom back and having a complete change in their attitudes towards themselves and how they view money.”

CAP’s Money course will launch on Thursday 26th January at 7.15pm at Hadleigh Baptist Church in Hadleigh, Suffolk. IP7 5BE.

Find more details by visiting capuk.org or calling 0800 328 0006. You can also find out more about CAP by doing an online search for ‘Christians Against Poverty’.

Lavenham Carpet Bowls Club

Happy New Year to everyone and hoping you all had a good Christmas. We had our Annual Xmas Lunch at The Horseshoes on 7th December, where we awarded trophies and medals to winners in our in-house competitions. I have included a photo of the trophies, but without the winners, in the excitement I forgot to take a group photo of the Winners! But you can see what cups and medals were up for grabs. Mike Purnell, one of our two Club Captains had a good year, winning 2 awards, but our joint Treasurer Val Daniels, was the top winner taking 2 medals and a trophy! Val can usually be heard to say “that wasn't a good shot” after she has bowled, but clearly some of them were! If you would like to join in our fun sessions of Carpet Bowls, we are back at Lavenham Village Hall from Wednesday 4th January at 2pm, followed by Thursday evening at 7.30pm. First 2 sessions are free to see if you would like Carpet Bowls and us. If you need a New Year's resolution - maybe take up a gentle, fun sport.

Marilyn Beatham – Club Secretary

No one should have to choose between eating and heating but with the cost of living rising at its fastest pace in 40 years and the plummeting temperatures many people will be facing that awful dilemma.

The latest local data shows one of the sharpest rises in fuel poverty across Suffolk, with a total of 75,000 households now struggling to meet their living costs and heat their homes. However, many individuals and local groups are doing all they can to help in their local communities.

The Bildeston Foodbank, run by Bildeston Community Support is currently helping more than 30 families in and around the village with food and heating oil. Recently the Babergh Green Party donated two sacks full of new onesies for children and adults. These were delivered by Green campaigner, Deborah Saw to Shaun Moffat, Chair of Bildeston Community Support, who said, “many people are too worried to put heating on at all or only switch it on for a very short time so being able to put on extra layers of thermal clothing is vital for their health and wellbeing. The kids' onesies are also very cute. Who can resist a onesie that makes your child look like a teddy bear?

Deborah Saw added, “we are delighted to help Bildeston Community Support. We have also distributed onesies in Sudbury and hope to help other voluntary groups across Babergh.”

Another Chance

All is not lost if you missed the last batch of defibrillator training sessions at the Hadleigh Pool and Leisure Centre. Three further dates and times have been fixed which will, hopefully, suit everyone. In conjunction with the Ambulance Service, the free courses will be given by Hadleigh’s First Responders. Attendees will be shown how to administer CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) the first emergency lifesaving procedure when a patient has collapsed. This will be followed by the application of an AED (automated external defibrillator) to try and regularise the patient’s heartbeat. Participants will have the opportunity to practice both skills if they wish. The courses coincide with the installation of a new defib machine outside the Hadleigh Health Centre. Please seriously consider attending one of the training session. It is something we all ought to know how to use. No exams, questions or crawling around the floor is required but having a chance to practice the CPR and AED is helpful. To reserve a place on any of the sessions visit www.eventbrite.com search for Hadleigh Community Defibrillator Awareness session or sign in at Reception at Hadleigh Leisure Centre.

Hadleigh Leisure Centre

Deborah Saw delivering onesies to Shaun Moffat, Chair of Bildeston Community Support at its food bank at Bildeston Baptist Church.

Ken’s SESAW News

Suffolk & Essex Small Animal Welfare Reg charity no 1124029

Each year, happy owners often return with ex-SESAW dogs for a Christmas visit. One of these catch-ups highlighted an issue which might interest readers so here is Carmen’s story: “Last year we were ready to open our hearts to another dog, having lost one in lockdown. We just missed one we liked at SESAW but were introduced to three Cocker Spaniels. Poor things, they were so scared and neglected, understandably after being used for breeding. We fell in love instantly and knew they were the dogs for us. They came home where they are safe, cared for and very much loved but we noticed strangers giving us horrible looks when out on walks. We couldn’t figure out why, but then it clicked. They saw the girls’ low-hanging bellies, caused by having so many litters of puppies in their previous lives, and they were judging us for how they looked. It made us feel awful.

The moral is, please don’t make assumptions based on how a dog may look or act. Maybe, like ours, it didn’t have the best start and the owner is trying to make a good life for their pet and help it heal from horrible past experiences. Our girls have come on so well since we’ve had them, but there is still a long way to go. So please don’t judge a book by its cover, because you don’t know what’s happened on the inside.”

Well said, Carmen. It’s the same for canines like me. Many of my fans used to think little dogs were nasty and vicious until they met me, Kenny (the Boss) Chihuahua.

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

Lavenham Sinfonia

Lavenham Sinfonia is thrilled to announce an additional concert to the already published 2023 programme that appeared in last month’s article. The extra concert will take place on Sunday 5th November at 15:00 and will be held in Lavenham Village Hall. The concert is being held as a memorial to a longtime supporter of the Sinfonia Phyllis Urch. The programme consists of some works for a smaller orchestra hence the use of the more intimate surroundings of the Village Hall. The works to be played are: Ibert: Concertino de Camera with Saxophone soloist Luisa Lale Stravinsky: Dumbarton Oaks; Francaix: Octet Mendelssohn: Octet for Strings; Conductor: John Chillingworth. The dates of the normal programme of concerts at Lavenham Church are: Sunday April 23 2023 at 19:00 at Lavenham Church

•Ravel: Le Tombeau de Couperin

•Ponce: Concierto del Sur (Guitar Concerto)

•Haydn: Symphony No.104 “London”

Conductor: Vicente Chavarria; Soloist: Giorgio Serci Sunday June 25 2023 at 19:00 at Lavenham Church

•Cimarosa: Overture “The Secret Marriage”

•Haydn: Cello Concerto in C

•Beethoven: Symphony No.3 “Eroica”

Conductor: Suzanne Dexter-Mills; Soloist: Thomas Isaac Sunday September 17 2023 at 1900 at Lavenham Church

•Brahms: Overture “Tragic”

•Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No.2

•Brahms: Symphony No.2 Conductor: Anita Datta; Soloist: Mathilde Milwidsky Tickets will be available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/lavenham-sinfonia Do come and join us at Lavenham Church!

Our December meeting with quiz was one of the coldest evenings of the year with icy conditions nationwide.

However we were delighted that a hardy group of members and guests turned out to brave the weather and be treated to a great quiz and buffet provided by the committee.

We had a fun evening with special raffle and a trophy was awarded to Kate Banks for winning the most monthly wins in our competition throughout the year…she has retained this from last year, well done Kate.

Do remember our birds at this frosty time, my birdbath is frozen solid, so do make sure our wild birds have access to water, to drink or bathe. It is a lifeline together with any seeds or nuts you leave out.

Our next meeting on January 9th is a talk on Dahlias, please be aware for this month only we are back in our old venue of the dining room in the Town Hall (door opposite the Ram pub) usual time 7.30 pm, £2 members and £4 guests. The competition is a photo of your garden at any time of year. Christmas will be over and many new year resolutions made and probably already broken! But with the new year brings hope for the year ahead, in our lives and gardens. I am already planning planting schemes and vegetables. We are all watching our finances and I hope my produce will be eaten and enjoyed..if I can battle with slugs and other pests. After the wet and cold of winter it’s hard to remember the heat and drought of last summer, but am sure the spring is not far away. Can’t wait for those spring bulbs to appear and give us that boost we all need.

Do join us in January for inspiration and ideas

Email: hadleighgardenclub@gmail.com

Hadleigh Walkers

Our first walk of the New Year on Saturday 14th Jan will start and end in East Bergholt. This is an interesting 8-mile circular walk comprising hills, woods, open views over the Stour Valley, Flatford bridge, Willy Lott’s Cottage of John Constable fame and even the remains of an Augustinian Priory! We will meet at the Hare & Hounds car park on the B1070 about 1 mile from the A12 Four Sisters crossing as you enter East Bergholt. Departing at 0930 as usual, our route takes us through rolling sheep fields, Great Martin’s Wood, Dodnash Wood, East End, Spooner’s Wood, Dazeley Lane, onto the Stour Valley Path to Flatford Mill and finally up the hill, briefly into East Bergholt and across fields back to the Hare & Hounds for refreshments. We will have a maximum of 2 brief stops and should back at the pub by 1330 - 1400. As usual, we aim to maintain a not-too-demanding 2.5 mph (4 km/hr) however remember that the proposed route involves a number of “Suffolk” hills and some stiles. Walkers should be aware that January weather is often cold and wet so walking boots and foul weather gear is advised as the ground will be muddy or rough in places. Everyone is welcome, including well behaved dogs. As usual, route maps can be requested from the web site. For further information about these walks go to www.hadleighwalkers.com, email us at hadleighwalkers@gmail.com or contact Mike Keeling on 07483 887658

Hadleigh and Boxford Patient Participation Group (PPG)

Best wishes for a peaceful, healthy 2023 from the PPG.

All local vaccinations were completed by mid-December. For any outstanding needs, patients must call 119 or visit the NHS government website for further information. More doctors’ and phlebotomists’ appointments are available on line. Several next day face to face appointments are also made available online from 7pm the night before. The pharmacy inside the Hadleigh Practice is open for patients living outside the Hadleigh area. The transition seems to have gone quite smoothly. Other patients continue to use the services of Mill Pharmacy and Boots. Many well-meaning patients make a list of their health problems so that all can be dealt with during one appointment. It is important to remember that each consultation is scheduled to last ten minutes and whilst some health issues take very little time to resolve, others do not. If the GP’s permanently extend their appointment times, fewer patients would be seen in a working day. Patients are therefore requested to confine their appointment time to a single medical problem and if necessary book another appointment for other concerns.

Thanks to the combined effort of the Town Council, the Hadleigh and District Probus Club, Tony Hayward of S. Cowle Electrical Ltd, London Hearts and the PPG there is a new external defibrillator on the outside wall of the Hadleigh Practice. Once again free training sessions are available at the Hadleigh Leisure Centre for anyone interested in learning how to use this important piece of equipment. The group sessions, which will be given by Hadleigh’s First Responders, will not include formal testing; just an optional opportunity to practice. Details are available in this edition of the HCN or from Jan Devey. deveys@btinternet.com 07881 798999

Eileen Starling

Remembering our wonderful mother, lost six years ago, but always in our minds.

Steve & Julie

Winston’s Wheels Charity Fairs

In 2023 Winston’s Wheels will be holding Charity Fairs with lots of bargains, so please watch out for an event in your area - you can find us on facebookplease support us so we can support them. Winston’s Wheels is a registered charity, providing wheelchairs and strollers for dogs that need help to stay mobile.

Monks Eleigh Whist Drive

Wednesday 11th January 7.00 pm at the Village Hall Meeting Room

Do you enjoy cards, if so come and play a game of whist? We play 18 hands with a break for refreshments, £3.00 to play. We hold a free bring a prize, win a prize raffle. Contact Angela on 01449 740414 for more details.

Pictured are Tracey Squirrel (Health Centre), Jan Devey (PPG) and Roger Howlett (Probus)

French’s Care Haven

Hello to our readers, It was a tough end to 2022 with the weather and huge outgoings for our animals health and care, so I am hoping for some good things to come along and make life easier this year.

I would like to give out our thank you’s, the first go to: Colchester Institute workshop department for their regular donation of wood shavings and to Sharon who goes to picks them up for us. Thank you to all who bought tickets for our fabulous Christmas raffle, well done to the winners. Thank you to those who make a monthly donation, knowing we have a certain amount coming in a month is a relief for me, as in who I can pay our outstanding bills to each month. If you would like to become one of these kind and generous monthly people please let me know, I will welcome you on board with open arms and you are welcome to come along and meet our much loved animals, by appointment.

So new year, new plan of action, remember like I ask before, if anyone has any fund raising ideas of things we can do for the animals and the people we help, then let me know. We have had a few health problems pop up with a few of our horses, Lance had an abscess in his foot, Faith had a swelling on her top eyelid and Annie had the vet out to x-ray her feet, so we had a better idea of what is going on with her laminitis. Laminitis is a common, extremely painful and frequently recurrent condition in horses, ponies and donkeys. The condition effects the tissue laminae, the bonding of the hoof wall to the pedal bone (the main bone within the hoof) With laminitis the blood flow to the laminae is affected, resulting in inflammation and swelling in the tissue within the hoof, the laminae are starved of oxygen and nutrient rich blood and the cells become damaged.

Research shows 1 in 10 horses are affected and that it is the second biggest killer of horses and ponies. One of the causes is too much sugar intake from grass, which triggers a laminitic episode. Spring is traditionally known as a peak time for laminitis, but grass growth throughout the year is unavoidable and is an all year round threat. Frost can also trigger sugar in the grass, which can be another quick backward turn in the hoof pain. Laminitis is incurable, it can be managed but not cured, all you can do is carefully monitor the animal, their turnout, their food and provide pain relief when levels are high. At French’s we have 4 ponies with laminitis, all are at different stages and levels. It is not easy or cheap to maintain our animals that have this problem. Along with help from our vet, we will do everything we can to give them the best care and management, so that they still have a nice life, as all 4 of them are dearly loved by me and all of our team at French’s.

French’s is a charity on your doorstep, can you help, either with time, donations, or sponsorship.

You are welcome to come along and meet our animals. Contact Jann on: 07747 755556 or email: jann.turner@hotmail.co.uk Website: Frenchs Care Haven.org.uk

Amid the New Year tasks, resolutions & targets Keep One Name In Mind The Arts Society Stour Valley

We offer illustrated Monthly Talks, Visits, Special Interest Days + a quarterly magazine & much more – all at a very reasonable cost. On the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 11 am at The Long Melford Village Hall (opp The Bull). For further details and to get your name onto the waiting list Contact: info@TASstourvalley.org.uk quoting CN or via our website www.TASstourvalley.org.uk. Please Note: Due to a surge in popularity since our new programme launched, a membership waiting list temporarily exists.

Wednesday 18 January Secret Art In The Passport: How We Use It To Fox The Forger

From wax seal to microchip, man has used the skill of artists in attempting to make an unforgettable document. Three centuries of passport design are explored illustrating the defences built into them & show the tricks forgers use to defeat them! Blue, Red, Burgundy or Green, you will never look at your passport in the same light!

BERGHOLT BRIDGE CLUB

We are a friendly relaxed club and are looking for new members. No need to bring a playing partner we can provide you with one!

We meet at

The Lamb School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt Monday evening at 7pm

Want to know more? Call Jayne: 07887767478

Preece’s

number 48, was there from the 1920s until the 1980s when it became an estate agents. This store was very much a part of the former ‘Hadleigh’ being a small agricultural based community, but which was then rapidly changing and growing from the 1960’s. In its later years, the manager there was Mr. Denis Cresswell, and he lived in the accommodation to the left, now converted into shops. The building itself is early 17th century and displays a good example of pargetting to its first floor facade, being decorative raised lime mortar designs. Pargetting is mainly a speciality of Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk. These designs belong to the Bayning family, London Merchants, and are their arms. Also on this fine façade, high up under the eaves, is a clock face for a one-handed clock. This dates from the second half of the 19th century, when George Payne a watchmaker and jeweller had his premisses here. Did you know that the clock face is made of leather? Payne was to occupy these premises for many years until the arrival of Richardson & Preece. At the rear of the shop is a room with a heavily ornate moulded plasterwork ceiling and includes contemporary wall paintings displaying scriptural murals. This building is worthy of its Grade II listing, and is one of many in the town. 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: hadleigharchives@ gmail.com Tel: 01473 823884

Commemorative Tree

Planting in Raydon

On a soggy Sunday in late November, a crab apple tree was planted in the churchyard of St Mary's Raydon to commemorate the Jubilee of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and to be part of the Green Canopy. It joins three other commemorative trees to form a quadrant of native trees, all recording historic events. The tree was blessed by the Rector Rev Manette Crossman and planted by Geoff Horrex, Churchwarden, in recognition of his many years of service to the church and village. Apart from his Churchwarden responsibilities, which have also involved maintaining the churchyard/wildflower area, Geoff runs a successful Garden Club in Raydon, has regularly organised a Good Friday Walk around the Benefice, serves on several committees in the Hadleigh area and supports all the activities in the village.

Simon Tennent

Hadleigh’s History on your Doorstep

Richardson &

Corn and Seed Merchants store in the High Street,

Lavenham Neighbourhood Plan Revision

Our Village – Our Future

Two years ago Lavenham Parish Council initiated a review of Lavenham’s current Neighbourhood Plan, which has been valid since 2016. A questionnaire was used to find the views of the village community (residents and businesses) on the strengths and weaknesses of the Plan. Questionnaire responses were revealed in two drop-in meetings in the Village Hall in November 2021. The observations, suggestions, comments, and opinions were taken into account in the development of the proposed revision of the Lavenham Neighbourhood Plan. Four key themes have been identified: Climate change; Flourishing village community; Landscape and heritage; Movement of people and vehicles. For each of these themes, the Plan states clear objectives, planning policies, and a range of community initiatives.

In addition, work was commissioned from independent experts that has resulted in two supporting documents to the proposed revision of the Lavenham Neighbourhood Plan: an updated Lavenham Landscape Character & Sensitivity Assessment 2023, and a Lavenham Design Guide 2023. Together these three documents describe Lavenham and the current issues it faces, and propose positive changes that address the concerns of people living and working in Lavenham

A revision to the 2016 Neighbourhood Plan is now in formal pre-submission consultation. The consultation period began on Thursday 8 December 2022 and will finish on Wednesday 1 February 2023.

The proposed pre-submission version can be viewed on the Lavenham Neighbourhood Plan website: bit.ly/LNPhome

Paper copies of the Plan are available to view in Lavenham Library, and also at the Drop-In Information session in Lavenham Village Hall on Tuesday 17 January 2023, 16.00 – 19.00. Note: If you are a Lavenham resident with mobility problems that mean you cannot access the library, please contact the Parish Clerk (lavenhampc@yahoo.co.uk; 01787 247041) and alternative arrangements will be made for you

Comments on the Plan can be made in the following ways:

•Completing the on-line questionnaire found on the website: bit.ly/LNPhome

•By email to: lavenhamnp2@aol.com

•Paper based comments delivered to the Village Information Point, 2 Lady Street, Lavenham CO10 9RA, or to the Parish Office at the entrance to the Church Street car park. Please mark your envelope LNP2 Consultation Response

•In person at the Village Hall Drop-In Meeting on 17 January 2023 The Lavenham community is invited to have its say, and all comments are welcome.

Drop-In Information Session

Lavenham Village Hall - Tuesday 17 January 2023, 16.00 - 19.00

Table Tennis at Hadleigh Pool & Leisure

Every Wednesday and Friday we play table tennis at Hadleigh Pool & Leisure. This is a social event for all standards of players, it’s fun and it’s a great friendly group. Play is mostly doubles but some singles games, equipment is supplied by the leisure centre. We have players whose ages range from 12 to over 90 years old who come along and enjoy playing table tennis. Why not give it a try, come along and say hello and pick up a bat and play. Tea and coffee available and usually someone brings biscuits!

Times are as follows: 11:15am to 1:15pm every Wednesday and Friday –See you there!

We are pleased

the opening of a Repair Café in Hadleigh

Western society revolves around consumption. We increasingly buy more things and throw away more than ever. We use the luxury items we own for shorter times. As soon as these items show the slightest defects – such as a chair with a wobbly leg, an iPad that no longer works or a woollen jumper with a hole in the elbow – we throw them away and buy a new product. Many things get thrown away within the space of one year.

Very few people even think about the possibility of repairing the old product. Most people no longer know how to repair things. This type of knowledge is noticeably on the decline.

Repair Café teaches people to see their possessions in a new light. And, once again, to appreciate their value. Repair Café helps change people’s mindset. This is essential to kindle their enthusiasm for a sustainable society. But above all, Repair Café just wants to show how much fun repairing things can be, and how easy it often is.

Therefore, Hadleigh Town Council is looking for volunteers to help us run this fantastic idea.

We are looking to run our first Repair Café in February and bi-monthly after that – details on the exact dates and location to follow. The question is, are you handy with:

• Repairing/fixing/mending things?

• General repairs/carpentry?

• Sewing/Jewellery or furniture restorations?

• Fixing toys/dolls?

• Repairing bicycles/skateboards/scooters?

• Electrical Repairs?

We would love to hear from you. Please contact Marta at Hadleigh Town Council on 01473 823 884 or email: assistant@hadleightowncouncil.gov.uk.

Monks Eleigh History Group

Monks Eleigh History Group’s next meeting will be held on Monday 9th January at Monks Eleigh Village Hall. The meeting will start at 7.30pm. Come along and listen to Richard Gates, who is returning to the group to give a second talk about his interesting family. This time he will be talking about his father who saw active service during the Battle of the Atlantic. All meetings will be held on the first Monday of the month from November to March. The annual subscription is £10.00 for all the remaining meetings, or £3.00 admission for a single meeting. For a full programme

email simonkelsall66@gmail.com

Results for the Ladies Christmas competitions.

This week the ladies from Stoke By Nayland Golf Club had their Christmas celebrations. On Thursday 8th the ladies played a 9 hole Greensomes competition on the Gainsborough course, some off the 1st tee whilst others went off the 10th tee. It was a bright but chilly day. With the ground being frozen the balls bounced well, not necessarily in the right direction. The ladies then enjoyed a meal, entertainment and presentation.

Front 9: 1st Katie Clark and Clare Nixon 18pts; 2nd Hilary Cairns and Liz Spencer 15pts; 3rd Sue Spittlehouse and Nora Hutchinson 15pts OCB.

Back 9: 1st Caroline Lowe and Anne Kelza Smith 16pts; 2nd Edelman Rew and Karen Thripp 14pts; Nearest the pin 3rd Gainsborough Corinne Jackson. Sundays Christmas competition was also on the Gainsborough course. The course was covered in a thick frost looking very festive indeed. In -6 degrees the ladies played their 18 hole Greensomes Competition. At the 9th Hole Men’s Captain Glen Jackson met the ladies with warm mince pies and mulled wine giving everyone a much needed warm up! A meal, games and presentation followed finishing off a perfect day.

1st Jill Pottle and Liz Kiddy 32pts; 2nd Corinne Jackson and Fran Chandler 30pts OCB; 3rd Katie Clark and Bev Thompson 30pts OCB. Nearest The Pin 3rd Gainsborough Liz Kiddy; 7th Gainsborough Gill Potter.

News from Fidelis

At our November meeting

The Boudicca Border Morris Dancers filled our room with fantastic costumes in blacks, purples and greens with adornments of feathers, nets and lace and topped with beautifully decorated top hats all in the steam punk fashion.

The music and dancing was joyful to watch and everyones feet could be seen tapping away to the music. After several sets of dances we were invited to join them on the dance floor to learn a dance or two. Helped by the dancers we managed to complete an easy set with instructions from the front. However it does help if you know your right from your left!!

A really enjoyable and fun afternoon and a fabulous way to get fit and dance with a great group of people.

Thank You

To the lovely gentleman who found my stolen mobile in Hadleigh on 24th November and returned it to me in Kersey. Could you please contact me regarding its exact location so that CCTV information can be used. Thank you so much. Tel Anna 07890 821093.

Architect

Franklyn Nevard......................01473 372382

Art Gallery

Brett Gallery............................01449 741553

Accountants / Financial Services

Thompson Financial Consulting ...01473 828973

Walter Wright..........................01473 822143

Suffolk Tax Accountants.........01473 657000

Blinds for windows & conservatories

Ventanilla Blinds............................................

Turners Blinds.........................01473 610830

Butchers

Andrews Butchers...................01473 827720

Builders / Property Maintenance

C.A. Builders...........................01473 824404

Simon Farthing.......................07823 333451

Grass To Glass........................01473 828269

Tony Faulkner..........................01473 822122

A&L Builders...........................07487 629944

Cards, Gifts, Stationery

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

Carpets / Flooring

A.J. Carpets............................01473 822240

Car Sales, Servicing, Repairs & Valet

Ainger Holbrow.......................01473 823286

L.S. Eaves...............................01206 262123

Complete Car Services............01473 828991

Paul Wilding...........................01473 827272

S. T. Services Simon Tydeman .07783 033401

Crockatt Garage......................01473 824342

Invicta Garage.........................01473 823172

Chimney Sweep / Fireplace Services

TL Chimneys...........................07733 420611

Clothes

ZOR Boutique.........................07969 525859 Doors and Windows

Andy Grimsey.........................01473 823584

Tim Allen Windows.................01473 827086

Hadleigh Glass........................01473 822415

Surefix....................................01473 827004

Thorr Doors............................07872 903135

Electrical Goods and Supplies

Hicks TV & Audio Solutions....07968 686035

Electricians

S Cowle Electrical...................01473 823179

Energy on Tap.........................07780 975787

English Teacher

Emily Evans............................07951 724425

Estate Agents

Frost & Partners.....................01473 823456

Chapman Stickels...................01473 372372

Hizzy.......................................01473 875101

Farm Shops

Hollowtrees.............................01449 741247

Funeral / Grave Services R. Gwinnell.............................01473 824440 W. A. Deacon..........................01787 248282

Garage Doors

Garolla....................................01473 396164

Garden Machinery Repair W. J. Green.............................01473 823839

Steve Blake.............................07813 814623

Garden Services

4 Life Landscapes...................01473 828117

Grass To Glass........................01473 828269

Gary Newman.........................07707 610830

Hair and Beauty

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

Health and Fitness

Hadleigh Boxford Practice......01473 822961

Hadleigh Dental Surgery.........01473 823092

Sally Mowles Foot Health Care.01473 822902

Hadleigh Physiotherapy..........01473 810185

Equlibrium Therapy.................07903 722746

Body & Mind As One.............07506 350 455

I.T. and Computer Services

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

Vulcan Computer Services......07711 904439

Kitchens

KBB Centre.............................01473 742200

Laundry Services

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

Mortgage & Protection Advice

GKM Financial.........................01473 898065

Newsagents

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

Nursing & Care Services

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

Waterfield House....................01473 944654

Opticians

Dunstone Optometry..............01473 823755

Painting & Decorating

Simon Farthing.......................07823 333451

CPH Property Services...........07717 059370

Pest Control

Lister Countryside Services....07919 287656

Picture Framing

ALB Framing...........................07769 858076

Blue Magpie Lavenham...........07788 508520

Plant Hire

Hadleigh Hirebase...................01473 828509

Plumbing and Heating

Gallagher................................01473 828806

Plumbmate.............................01473 810088

Roundhouse Plumbing...........07939 082630

Spear......................................01473 829863

GJ Watts.................................01473 829644

MSL Plumbing........................07979 288844

CJ Plumbing & Heating...........01473 822775

BUDDHA.................................07710 081745

Printers

Keith Avis Printers..................01473 823366

The George Hadleigh..............01473 822151

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

Cobblers Cafe/Waffle Shop.....01473 828577

Eight Bells...............................01473 822234

India Villa................................01473 828599 Security

Abacus....................................01473 824601

Septic Tank Emptying

A.K. Services..........................01473 822694 Skip / Waste Removal

G. Leeks Skip Hire..................01473 824256

JK Services man with a van....07703 758035 Solicitors / Wills Holmes & Hills........................01787 275275

Gotelee....................................01473 822102 Sports & Hobbies

Snowys Bait & Tackle..............07766 140624 Storage