Higham Holton St Mary Stratford St Mary QuartetQuartet The Parish Magazine

January 2021 Issue 389 Quartet Diary

FOR SALE

Lakeland Bread Maker January TBC SSMAnnual Parish Meeting

In excellent working order. 2-5 SSMXmasTreeDropOff- 20 FairTradeCoffeeMorning Village Hall car park £10 May 6 SSMXmasTreeCollection 10 SSMParishCouncilMeeting Phone 07999537995 11 SSMParishCouncilMeeting 11 RaydonParishCouncil Annual General Meeting 12 RaydonParishCouncil Meeting 12 HSMParishCouncilMeeting

13 HSMParishCouncilMeeting 27 R&DGCmeeting(TBC-maybea garden visit) February June 9 RaydonParishCouncil Meeting 15 RaydonParishCouncil Meeting 23 FairTradeCoffeeMorning Trees can be left at Stratford St Mary Raydon Village Hall Car Park collection point 27 R&DGC CoachOuting(TBC) between Saturday 2nd Jan and March Tuesday 5th Jan. July

9 RaydonParishCouncil 12 SSMParishCouncilMeeting Collection will be made from 6.30am Meeting on Wednesday 6th January. 13 RaydonParishCouncil 10 HSMParishCouncilMeeting Meeting Trees must be less than 7’ tall & must have all decorations, stands & 18 SSMParishCouncilMeeting 22 R&DGCMeeting(TBC) pots removed. Please call 0300 1234 000 (Option 4) for further details. 23 FairTradeCoffeeMorning August Raydon 14 R&DGCSummerShow 25 R&DGCMeeting(TBC)

April September Small Ads Pin Board 3 R&DGSpringShow(TBC) 13 SSMParishCouncilMeeting 13 RaydonAnnualParish 14 RaydonParishCouncil No charge for non-commercial ads placed for one month Meeting Meeting only, space permitting. Email [email protected] 14 HSMAnnualParishMeeting

2 3 Editors Corner Stratford St Mary

Stratford St Mary Parish To Anne and Jane and all the Team. .The Quartet is a bit thinner than normal Articles for the Quartet are included if we Council Emergency Team May I take this opportunity to say a Big this month - often the case in January. have room, and if, in the opinion of the If an emergency does arise, please Thank You for all your efforts in keeping Never fear however! We have extra editors, they are of general interest to our contact one of the following team the Quartet “Up & Running” throughout a special goodies for you this month! readers. Please remember all articles will members: difficult year for us all. Several village be subject to editing. We prefer you to magazines have packed up for the A huge thank you to a number of readers contact us via email where possible. Norman Woodard duration of pandemic but you and all your who have really pulled out the stops this 12Swaynes 01206323015 helpers have kept things going each month to help us give you a good start to [email protected] month just as usual. The information has, 2021. I am sure, helped to keep all our villagers Chris Griffin well informed as to the latest situation and Brook Farm, School Lane 01206 especially to those who needed to ask for Barry Davison (Page 7) has started a help. series of his poems that he is going to 337363/07885 807567 share with us over the next year - you may [email protected] remember he wrote a moving poem for Hopefully the “What On” diary pages will Remembrance day in November. Take a Steve Kite gradually fill up again over the New Year look at ‘Post it Note’ - it’s so true. 42Strickmere 01206322482 as we look to the future normal. 07958515573 Geoff Horrex. Geoff has been on his rambles in Higham Bill Davies again and concludes his memories of life 3Spanbies 01206322990 there in the 50’s and 60’s (page 11 and 12). [email protected] Thank you Geoff for an interesting trip! Abig thank you to all the people who Last, but by no means least, we have contributed to the Stratford St Mary Copy deadline for next edition: Christmas Greetings page. The sum of another competition for you! This time it 19th January 2021 takes the form of a quiz and you’ll find the £110 was raised for Stratford Church Funds. questions on pages 14 - 17. Have a go! If Contact details: Email: you think you’ve done well, fill in your [email protected] contact details and send the answers by Jenny Symons email to [email protected] or Editors: tear out the pages and pop them through Anne Priestley; 1 Corpus Christi the letterbox at 1 Corpus Christi Cottages, Cottages, Holton St Mary. CO7 6NN Holton St Mary (or you can post them if you like!) The winner will be announced in the Jane Lelliott ; 5 Swan Meadow, Stratford March edition. St Mary. CO7 6JQ SSM 100 Club Winners

Happy reading Distribution:Dave Leach December 07930390517 22 C.Cousins £40.00 Anne and Jane Invoicing: Jenny Leach 59 B.Cavendish-Tribe £10.00 [email protected] 82 M.Gotelee £5.00

4 5 STRATFORD ST MARY PARISH The Village Emergency Since reading my Armistice poems at Lonely hearts clubs one call away COUNCIL MEETINGS Stratford St Mary Church I’ve been asked Hotels where I can stay Telephone several times if there are more of my And I try to remember who I am poems that people can read. Jan 11th What went wrong with my brain When so hard I tried to get it right Stratford St Mary has, for a number of But this blockage still remains years had a Village Emergency Telephone I write based on personal experiences and March 8th I try to reconcile my thoughts System (VETS) in operation. This is a also my interpretations of situations that The holidays we had system where, if a dedicated number is have arisen . The things we bought May 10th rung, you may reach one of up to 10 The hope of a future long into old age volunteers. These volunteers have had Most people have witnessed the By in my heart there’s nothing but rage July 12th basic training in CPR and how to use a devastating effect that dementia has on At the injustice I’d been dealt defibrillator. This number should only be family and friends. The following poem is Robbed of my memories called in the case of a possible cardiac one man’s story. Sept 13th Why did I forget to mention my dementia arrest and after 999 has been called. If the Well thanks! Nov 8th number is rung and contact made, the volunteer will go to Hall Farm, collect the defibrillator and head to your location. Post it Note I sit on this bus wringing my hands date of the Annual Parish Meeting in April They will the start basic life support, Please take me back to be advised including using the defibrillator, until the Please take me home emergency services arrive. The post it note is now my life I don’t want to be alone Stuck in places by my wife Anymore The village of Stratford St Mary and the The posti is my best friend I recognise the friendly smile surrounding areas are also covered by It will be with me until the end And the dulcet tones numerous Community First Responders, It tells me what I need to know But can’t remember who it is these are a different set of volunteers to When to eat ,where to go But can feel the love and companionship the VETS people. These volunteers will Where my shirts and trousers are And be called by the Ambulance service to Feed the dog, wash the car As we go back home start treatment on patients who have life Never argue ,never refuse And enter the hall threatening conditions, this is a automatic An offer to help put on my shoes A little note that’s hard to miss says Have you ever thought about function by the Ambulance service when Have you enjoyed your trip? becoming a Community First you have called 999. These CFR have Sunday morning church then Mass Responder? been given training by the Ambulance Lock the door TURN OFF THE GAS Kiss kiss service and have equipment to start life The little notes that are my life saving treatment as soon as possible, Put there by my loving wife Why not find out what it is about? these are people who live within our Or maybe not, I’m just not sure who put community and can give this life saving those words on every door Look at the CFR link on the East of treatment prior to an ambulance arriving, That maps my days to the enth degree Barry Davison Ambulance Services website. they sometimes arrive on your door step Flush the loo when you’ve had a pee within minutes of you calling 999. It is You can even apply on line! important to remember that the VETS and Those little notes my comfort zone CFR individuals are all volunteers, giving Make me feel safe at my home If you watch the training video - do not be up their time to help the community. Never wanting to venture far alarmed - you are never expected to do In Stratford St Mary, the VETS number is No longer confident to drive the car mouth to mouth. Not wanting ever to make a fuss but then I wander off and take a bus :-01206 700919 And as I aboard with extra care For further information, please contact There’s posti notes everywhere your local co-ordinator. If you would like further information on Suggesting trips that I can make either the VETS or CFR please contact Telling me to belt up me on [email protected] or XX 07775 667753, we are always looking for Oh how many people would agree with people to recruit. that!

6 7 Raydon Raydon and District Garden Club

Winter time can be cold, rain or snow, envelope and pop through my letter box at gales or even fog & frost and just High Elms, The Street, Raydon and I will sometimes we can get much of this pass it to our treasurer. Anybody reading weather all in one day. But just think once these notes especially if you have just Fair Trade coffee January and February are out we will be moved into Raydon, enjoy gardening morning Community Speed Watch into “Spring Time” once again with the start (however large or small a garden) and you of all the lovely flowers coming out to would like to join the garden club please We are hopefully looking brighten up our world. Now most years by give me a call to arrange, and you can be forward to starting up about 18th/19th of January the first assured of a warm welcome. again on Tuesday 23rd snowdrops are starting to show colour (the February for our first out drops starting to expand) but of course it’s Hopefully by February Quartet I will be in door coffee morning, but normally early to middle February before a position to confirm we will be holding they open fully. What a lovely sight they of course this is dependant on the meetings (when allowed) in the KGF make especially when the sunshine comes playing field pavilion, so it will be a New pandemic situation ( tier 1, 2 or 3) at the We are pleased that Raydon Parish out, this is normally the time of year (if time. Year, a new start in a different venue, and Council is planning to introduce a places open) to visit some of the more it will be Springtime once again. I don’t Community Speed Watch, in larger gardens to admire their winter know about you but I always get Also very weather dependant, but who response to the review undertaken gardens but we might just have to miss this enthusiastic about the new Spring and all knows February last year was nice and some years ago when speeding traffic event which would be a great shame, but that it brings with new growth, new flowers warm & sunny so fingers crossed. It will be was the major item of concern to we must be sensible until we have all had and perfumes, much longer daylight hours just great to meet up with friends once residents. “The Jab” and our safety is assured. to enjoy yours and other people’s gardens, again and start looking forward, and talking and not forgetting all the lovely fresh about the year ahead with renewed belief of We are enthusiastic about this This New Year 2021 will be the garden greenery all around along with the bird better times to come. initiative and we already have a team club`s 41st year and I am hopeful we may song. As they say “It’s a wonderful time of anxious to get started. We would be able to re – open in time for the April theyear. Trust you all enjoyed a Christmas if some welcome any of our fellow residents Spring Show, time will tell but your what subdued, and would like to wish you who might wish to join the team. The committee will plan ahead as always so we Geoff Horrex, 01473 310422 / mobile: all a Happy, Healthy, Peaceful New Year. equipment and training is being are prepared when the right time comes to 07810086143 supplied free of charge by “Get Going” once again. We will plan for Constabulary. guest speakers, local garden visits, summer coach outing or if not possible perhaps a Autumn outing, Summer flower Written on behalf of Wendy Mumford Anyone interested should contact the Parish Clerk, Jane Cryer, on 07920 & produce show, and of course a social 713940, or email evening inc AGM next November. Let’s all [email protected]. hope that we will not need to cancel so much this 2021 year as last year was almost a total wipe out as we were only able to hold one meeting.

Don’t forget that if you are already a fully paid up member in 2020 that carries over to the full year of 2021 at no cost, however if you’ve not yet paid up as a member please contact Rachel our treasurer to pay your subs as soon as possible for this year. If it helps put your subs £12.50pp in

8 9 RAYDON PARISH COUNCIL Your Raydon Parish Councillors Higham SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS 2021 Sue Newton (Chair) 07587 243678 (all at 7.30pm via ZOOM until further Keith Lovering notice) 07939 075143 Tuesday 12 January Howard (Jim) Lowe Tuesday 9 February 01473 313094 Tuesday 9 March lived in by Mr & Mrs Harry Proctor, then Amanda Pyall (Vice Chair) Tuesday 13 April (Annual Parish Meeting) Higham Tree Planting further down but on right hand side is The Tuesday 11 May (AGM) 01473 310050 Old Vicarage and right next door was the Tuesday 15 June Sigi Steer Barn (converted in a house now) in those Tuesday 13 July 07591 875267 Over 200 native trees, oaks, field days used for village meetings (one or two Tuesday 14 September maple, wild cherry, crab apple and a year) and social evenings (also very Jayne Tann birch and the rare ”wild service tree” Tuesday 12 October 01473 828283 few). Tuesday 9 November (Sorbus torminalis) were distributed (largely thanks to the Woodland Trust) Faith Backhouse to 23 individual householders in the Staying on RH side you come to the drive NB: if you would like to see copies of the 07999 018049 down to Higham St Marys Church and a minutes of any Raydon Parish Council village and planted over the last weekend in November. branch off towards left takes you to what meetings, please contact Stephen Coe was Mr Tunmer’s Farm where I first learnt 07947211802 to drive a tractor (see previous Quartet’s Jane Cryer, Clerk to Raydon Parish These plantings are in support of the story). Some of the farm buildings have County scheme (yet to be formally Council, 01473 824287 / 07920 713940, Trevor Sayer been converted to dwellings. [email protected] launched) to celebrate the Queen’s 07747 610317 70th year on the throne in early 2022. By planting ours this autumn we hope So we turn back up the drive and on your Jane Cryer – Clerk that most of them will be firmly left is a footpath with a lovely “kissing gate” Sunnyside Cottage, Overbury Hall Road established and flourishing by then. across meadow going to Lower Street Higham or going right takes you to Michael Mumford Lower IP7 5NA 01473 824287/07920 713940 Stratford. This path was used most days getting to Stratford Primary School by The death of Michael comes as a great [email protected] yours truly and others. loss to those of us who had the pleasure of his friendship. He was a quiet, private man So at top of drive turn left and back to but of good humour and wide interests, A Walk Around Higham: village green then take the left. The first always quietly spoken and immaculately The Raydon Pavilion has now re-opened house on your right called nowadays dressed. Michael was a keen naturalist with COVID secure measures in place. 1950`s - 1960`s “Olden Manor”, this used to be a pub many which he pursued in much walking around Anyone wishing to hire the building should many years ago but forgotten name the district and also in travelling with contact Clive Duddridge on 01473 310162. Firstly a couple of typing errors last month. (Greenman ???) perhaps somebody Wendy to interesting and secluded places. The pub was the King’s Head (notArms as might know. I always remember on the He wholeheartedly supported all the To comply with current government this was in Stratford), the drive to Valley gateway to the house used to be two activities of St Mary’s church and was guidelines, the bar will now open at8pm Farm is on right hand side (not left) as you concrete monkeys on plinths but sadly Wendy’s rock in managing the church stall. and close promptly at10pm . A good travel down to village centre, and lastly these were stolen, I believe in the 1970`s. the demolished cottage before (Peartree Whenever we asked, Michael was ready selection of beers, wines and spirits are available at considerably less than pub house was built) was a Mrs Randell (not Then continue to the top of Higham Hill and willing to help. Sadly the last couple of Mrs Cone) years have been very hard for him and prices. with Mr Freddie Boucher’s Hill House on Wendy, particularly the months of Covid. right up driveway, then down further on Membership is open to all residents of the So we start again at the triangle village right you have what was a working Forge, We have missed Michael hugely but will village (over 18s only) and anyone wishing green heading towards Stratford and on maintain his memory by continuing in our then just slightly lower but on left side you to join is welcome to come along to enjoy a the left hand side is the Old Guildhall have the entrance to the footpath that support of Wendy. socially distanced drink and chat. painted yellow and has a thatched roof comes from the Church and right beside

10 11 the thatched cottage which used to belong long been pulled down. Also that drive way to a Mrs Seffton. led to what used to be Higham Brickworks and the concrete circular tanks x 2 where Holton St Mary Then staying on left you come to the clay was mixed up taken from the hill Kingfisher Cottage where a Mrs Mins side close by. There is a house built in lived. If memory serves correctly she was beside the cliff face. It was a great place to in the police force. Her son came to play spot and of course catch common lizards on our small farm once or twice and really that were sunbathing and sometimes it enjoyed himself especially with all the could be a grass snake or even sloworms. animals but what a surprise !!! he got Always had to check because just rather muddy as you do, so he was not occasionally an adder might turn up. All The First Friday Lunch Club Sally - [email protected] allowed to come over any more, and my the animals let go after a good inspection 01473 312080 mother was not amused. I remember her except for the Adder which was never saying to Mrs Mins it`s only dirt and will caught for obvious reasons. Frances - [email protected] wash off. I was of course allowed to play 01473 312046 in their garden but it was a bit boring, no So you remember Mr Easy who planted the animals and no dirt, no cowboys & beech tree on the green well he lived in a Indians. In the meantime stay safe and continue to small wooden bungalow at the top end of take care. Happy (or maybe Happier) New this shared driveway and it still stands Year in 2021 The water works/pumping station was not today. Just before you’re back to Bridge there in those days and the river House on the right as you face the river a meandered around much more which couple of semi detached cottages, one made for great fishing spots. Next to lived in by Mr & Mrs Double the other a Mr James and guess what his front room was Kingfisher Cottage on same side you have Regrettably the Secretary of State for the single story cottage lived in by Mrs used as a doctor’s surgery once every two weeks I think and the doctor’s name was Health's statement to the House of Sweetman & sister whose garden Commons on 17th December reported a regularly got flooded by the in Dr Sleigh whose main surgery was down in Dedham opposite today’s chemist. 45% increase in the number of COVID the winter months. Now coming down the cases in the in the last right hand side after leaving the forge you week. Holton St Mary Millennium pass the entrance drive to what was So we come to the end of my life living in Green Trust another small holding which belonged to Higham (for which I still have a soft spot) Mr & Mrs Double who had lots of chickens with some of the many mostly happy This means that any hopes we had that in the barns and they used to sell eggs at memories and I have now lived in Raydon Suffolk (or Babergh) would be moved from Century Club subscriptions £12 are due in the door. Bob a Job week in the scouts for more than double the number of years Tier 2 to Tier 1 have been dashed. January. We would like as many people you always were given the job (you’ve that I lived in Higham. My parents are as possible to pay by bank transfer and guessed it) of cleaning out the barn. Firstly buried in Higham Churchyard so I visit The consequence for the First Friday of the your collector will shortly be putting a note removing all the chickens, then de- Higham on a regular basis and often either Month Lunch Club is that no mixing of through your door giving the necessary cobwebbing the rafters, cleaning out the ride around in car or even walk or just sit households can take place - so while we details. There are a number of new litter/ peat & straw, then replacing with and look at the river and marshes where I could resume, you are not allowed to sit people in the village and if you have not clean material and finally if you could spentmychildhood,happydaysindeed.together and you can't shout to each other been contacted by the end of the month catch them put chickens back in, but of between tables because of the danger please give me a call and I will make arrangements for you to join in. course they didn’t want to go back in at Geoff Horrex. from any aerosol effect. least till it became dusk so I always had to go back and do this before I was paid a So regrettably we willremain cancelled in The income from the draw pays for the bob (old money). Januaryand we are unlikely to be able to upkeep of the Green and we have not so resume in February. far needed to carry out any other form of Another unwanted item you always fundraising. seemed to get was fleas so I always had We do have quite a long list of people who a bath (Tin bath outside on the lawn) as want to know by email or phone when we Marjorie Haste not allowed back in house till all un are holding the next one, rather than welcome visitors were removed. That long waiting for Quartet - and if you want to be Secretary 01473 311615 building that housed the chickens has added to this list, please contact

12 13 The Quiz of the Year (that was 5. Whichfootballerspokeof 13. Whattwo-wordtermisgivento 21. Whateventlinksthe‘China seagulls, indulged in kick-boxing and the Northern and Southern Lights, also Syndrome’ and April 1986? and is to come…) enjoys a good beer? called‘aurora borealis and aurora australis’? I hope you find this randomly-designed quiz with no specific theme a bit of fun. The quiz closes on 31st January. 6. WhatonewordlinksHumphrey 22. WhodidBeowulfstalkandslay Acash prize will be awarded to the person/ Davy, women working in gunpowder 14. WhichseasonoftheChristian in the famous Old English poem of the factories and Delia Smith? same name? family with the highest score. If there are year is symbolised by the lily of the valley? many fully-correct answer sheets these will be collated and the first independently and randomly-selected one will be adjudged the winner. Answers and the 7. Whatisthesettingfor41of prize-winner will be announced in the Terry Pratchett’s fantasy novels? 15. Thenicknameofwhich 23. Whichweddinganniversaryis February Quartet. American State is ‘Equality State’? celebrated with the traditional gift of ivory? Please either send your answers by email to [email protected] – or fill in these pages, add your name and contact 8. InwhichLondonartgallery 16. Whichaircraftcompanybuiltthe details and drop them off to 1 Corpus would you find the ‘Turbine Hall’? jet airliner, the Comet? Christi Cottages, Holton St Mary. 24. TheJordanFormulaIRacing Team won its first Grand Prix with which European racing driver?

1. Howmanyraspberriesarethere 9. Whatarethenamesofthetwo 17. Which football team beatIpswich on the cake seen in the opening credits of Mersey Tunnels? Town 9 (nine) v 0 (nil)? ‘The Great British Bake-off’? 25. WhatwasDimitriMendeleyev famous for developing?

2. Themusicstore,‘HMV'was 10. Whatisthisanexampleof:a2 + 18. Whereinthebodywouldyou opened by which composer in 1921? 8a = 48? find the olives?

26. Whatlinksthenationalanthems of Spain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 11. InGreekmythology,Ariadne 19. WhatisthenameofTurner Kosovo and San Marino? 3. Whichmakeofcarhadatortoise and Penelope used what common Prize-winning potter Grayson Perry's as its badge? domestic science material to save their female alter-ego? lovey-dovey men?

27. WhichbookintheBiblecontains 4. Whatsinglewordlinksvinegar 20. WhowasBillandBen’sbest the words: “There is nothing new under and one of the largest joints in the human 12. WhatyeardidtheOrwellBridge friend? the sun”? body’? first open to public traffic?

14 15 35. Whatisthepreciseeducational 40A. What plant is this a leaf of? 40D. What is interesting about this 28. Whatsinglewordlinksalei,7th link between Daniel Craig and Chris delicious snack? December 1941 and Captain James Boardman? Cook?

36. Whowroteaboutthelifeand 29. Inthecomic,theEagle,whowas times of Zaphod Beeblebrox, Marvin and the ‘Pilot of the future’? Arthur Dent?

30. Whatsinglewordisgiventothe 37. Whatyeardid‘StrictlyCome shortest or longest day in the year? Dancing’ first waltz on to our TV screens? 40B. What type of knot is this?

31. WhatsinglewordlinksMinimata, 38. Whichcountryproducesthe the Roman messenger of the Gods and a white wine called, ‘Cloudy Bay’? singer born in Zanzibar?

39. Terry Waite received a postcard in solitary confinement as a hostage. 32. WhichBritishPrimeMinisterwas What was the picture on the postcard? known as the ‘milk-snatcher’? 40E. Who is this Muppet character? 40C. What does this symbolise in a religious context? 40. Pictureround(5questions-see next page). 33. Theabbreviationsofwhich chemical elements spell out the name of the capital city of Ghana? Your Name

Your contact details (Telephone number, email or address)

34. WhoorwhatwasNumber6?

16 17 The Third Age Trust looks after all U3As SESAW News nationally bringing together people in their Do you need urgent NHS care in Suffolk and north east Stour Valley “third age” to develop their interests and This time last year some people predicted continue learning in a friendly and informal great things for the new decade and I ? environment. Third age is a time after you thought ‘seeing in 2020’ was having perfect have finished working full-time and have eyesight. Although the volunteers are still Then contact NHS 111 time to pursue interests or just try talking about Brexit and Australian wild something new. fires, they seem more interested in news of a vaccine bringing fresh hope for a normal A new system is being introduced for life. people in Suffolk and north east Essex who News need urgent – but not emergency – NHS care. Knocked back by Covid we are now I’m hoping someone can give my canine rebuilding as quickly as is safely possible. pal, Teddy, a new life. He is a ten month old staffie cross with the potential to become a Patients are being told to ‘Think 111 First’ The majority of our activity groups, Allotment Plots Available and contact NHS 111 by phone or online at including walking, ten pin bowling, fitness, fantastic companion. This handsome boy Would you like an allotment plot? will need lots of exercise and company. 111.nhs.uk to find out where they should go canoeing and kayaking, are back up and for treatment and when. These services Dedham Allotment Association Would suit an experienced owner who can running. see the promise in him and is prepared to are staffed 24 hours a day, every day. have plots available, please put in the work to realise that potential. Other groups, from philosophy, to book contact Diana for further details Those individuals with very serious or life- club and languages, continue to operate 01206 321297 Ollie (the Black) Cat wants me to tell you threatening health conditions, such as using Zoom. Our gardening group has a chest pain, severe bleeding or loss of number of visits planned, including a week we have many cats waiting for new homes too. Some, including several pregnant consciousness, should still continue to away to Harrogate. females, were abandoned to fend for phone 999 without delay. themselves last year and now await Membership forever homes. Lots of humans find People who arrive at an Emergency Department (ED) without a referral from We are always open to new members. Our animals give as much as they receive by enriching their lives, particularly for those NHS 111 may be directed elsewhere or fee for 2020/21 is just £8. To find out more, alone and isolated in these difficult times. have to wait until referred patients have visit our website to see how we work and Visitors by appointment only, please leave been seen, unless they need immediate get the latest updates: a message on 01787 210888 or visit our treatment. stourvalleyu3a.org.uk or contact Graham website or email [email protected] Best Manuel (chair) [email protected] wishes for 2021 from all of us, including This is a new way of accessing urgent care or Sue Basted (secretary) me, Kenny (the Boss) Chihuahua. across Suffolk and north east Essex and [email protected] will help the NHS manage the flow of Suffolk & Essex Small Animal Welfare, Reg.Charity No.1124029, patients, maintain social distancing and Stoke Road, , CO6 4PP. Tel: 01787 210888, About us www.sesaw.co.uk. reduce the risk of infection. Stour Valley U3A is one of more than 1,000 U3A groups in the UK. We have just Belinda White, Regional Manager at DEDHAM TENNIS CLUB Practice Plus Group who provide the 111 over 400 members based in the Essex/ service, explained: “Contacting 111 first Suffolk border encompassing areas The courts are now fully open and means everyone will get the right treatment including Manningtree, Dedham, East coaching is available for adults and more quickly and probably closer to home Bergholt and . juniors. Memberships are available or the as well. courts can be hired for £8 per hour. We work with neighbouring branches in Arrangements have not changed for Hadleigh, Harwich and which More details are available on people with serious or life-threatening provides a wider range of social and www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/dedhamltc illnesses or injuries. Please continue to learning opportunities. dial 999, as before. Or email dedham-tennis- [email protected]

18 19 Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline other local areas. We may also still be able & Charity Shop to arrange collections if needed. Local Services I hope that 2021 will herald a return to some sort of normality for us all although of By the time most of you will be reading this course none of us will ever be able to forget Christmas will have come and gone, I hope the year of the Pandemic. most of you managed to have an enjoyable time although for some I am sure it will have With very best wishes to all been very difficult. The Constable Country MOBILE LIBRARY Medical Practice We are hoping that 2021 will bring better Elizabeth Parker Stratford St Mary -Route 11 fortune to all and that we may be able to Link Chair The Medical Centre, The bus stops every 4 weeks on again bring the children of Chernobyl to the 01449 760343 Wednesdays UK for much needed health respite breaks Heath Road, , Colchester CO7 6RT although we have to be realistic and, at the 20 January time of writing, there is still much uncertainty as to what the situation will be Surgery opening hours 8.00am–6.30pmMondaytoFriday Black Horse - 11.05am - 11.20am both here and in Belarus.Although we were Tally Ho! Corner - 11.25am - 11.45am not able to delivery our Father Frost Holy Family Roman Catholic Church Telephone 01206 298272 Fax 01206299010 Strickmere (School Lane end) - 11.50am - Christmas program as planned we were 12.10pm able to get one batch of Stockings to some Road, CO11 1TB 36 The Street, Capel St Mary, Ipswich very very needy families in Ukraine where Parish Priest: Fr. Paul Vincent OCD IP9 2EE the Charity also has contacts and also Assistant Priest: Fr Bineesh Elenjikkal Route 14 brings children to the UK under the OCD 180HawthornDrive The bus stops every 4 weeks on Surgery opening hours Tuesdays Chernobyl Health respite program. The IpswichIP20QQ Tel:01473684963. 8.00am – 6.30pm Monday to Friday remainder of the stockings will be delivered www.stmarksparish.org.uk 26 January to Belarus as intended but somewhat later than planned. Services planned for JANUARY 2021 Dispensary 8.30am – 6.15pm Holton St Mary Friday 1 SOLEMNITY OF MARY, (closed between 1-2pm) Church Square - 9.30-9.45am Due to recent events at the Charity Shop THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD Telephone 01473 310203 Raydon we have also had to make the very sad and 9.20am EucharisticAdoration Fax 01473 311722 St Mary’s Raydon - 9.50-10.30am difficult decision to close the business 10am Mass Lower Raydon although the Charity will most definitely Sunday 3 2ndSUNDAYOF Sulleys Hill - 11.30 - 11.45am CHRISTMAS continue! We have had nine years of 9am Mass Higham wonderful support from our customers and Tuesday 5 Crime prevention The Green - 11.55am to 12.10pm would like to express our grateful thanks to 9.20am EucharisticAdoration everyone, many customers have also http://www.suffolk.police.uk/safetyadvice/ 10am Mass reportacrime/tellthepolice.aspx The customer service line 01473 283838 become friends, host families and Wednesday 6 THE EPIPHANY OF THE is staffed 9am to 5pm from Monday to supported the Charity in many ways. LORD, SOLEMNITY PC 1347 Gilkes Pcso 3041 Cooper [email protected] Friday and can handle any library 9.20am EucharisticAdoration customer queries renewals and We will be looking to raise funds in other 10am Mass Telephone…101 Sunday 10 BAPTISM OF THE LORD reservations to any general library queries. ways to allow us to continue to bring the 9am Mass An answer phone is available outside of children over and hope you will support our Tuesday 12 operating hours and people can also email Fundraising events to help us to do this. We 9.20am EucharisticAdoration [email protected] will continue to collect clothing, both for the 10am Mass children and their families and for us to use Sunday 17 2nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY to raise funds for the visits. We will also TIME 9am Mass welcome donations of any items such as Tuesday 19 unwanted gifts etc that could be used as 9.20am EucharisticAdoration 10am Mass raffle prizes at our events. Sunday 24 3rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME We have organised drop off points in 9am Mass Needham Market, Stowmarket, Bacton and

20 21 Bin collections Local Directory

Week Commencing 28th December Recycling week - Mon, Tues,BH week Weds collections are one day later, Thursday collection is on Saturday, and Fridays collection is the following Monday 4th January Refuse Week - collections one BH week day later 11th January Recycling Week Normal 18th January Refuse Week 25th January Recycling Week

Waste Services 0300 1234 000 (option 4)Email: [email protected] Visit www.recyclenow.com to find your nearest recycling banks

Power Cut? Call 105 | The New Tell us your favourite local service - Free Way to Report Issues could be a pub or restaurant or takeaway, or other service you think would benefit getting a www.powercut105.com recommendation...If we agree, we’ll print it here Experiencing a power cut? No matter who your provider is, 105 is the new number to I go to a super fish van in the George car call to get help and advice, free of charge park in Hadleigh. He comes from Lowestoft on mobile and landlines. You can also call on a Tuesday from 7.45am until 12.30 and 105 with any welfare concerns related to a couldn’t be fresher. He also goes to power cut, or if you are worried about the Hollowtrees Farm on a Thursday, 8am until safety of over or underground electricity 12.30. His name is Paul phone number cables or substations. 07810251395 Support may be available free for those with medical needs, people of pensionable Simply Thai Manningtree - It was simply age or with children under 5. delicious! Freshly cooked, and arrived Register on UK Power Networks website within the quoted time frame. 01206 http://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/ 396060. Delivers to Holton St Mary internet/en/help-and-advice/priority- services-during-a-power-cut/ Zaynab andMother Indian at Capel. Really good and highly recommend. They don’t deliver, but it’s made quickly for pick- up.

22 23 24 25 26 27 Mending your home

ACER TREE SPECIALISTS LTD

All staff NPTC qualified and fully insured. 10 million public liability • 24 hours emergency tree work • All aspects of tree work under taken . • Hedge maintenance and reductions. • Stump grinding • Treeremoval • Pruning • Pollarding

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Call 07786836928 or 07891135561 Or Email [email protected]

28 29 30 31 32 33 In the House

34 35 36 37 Professional Services

Prestige virtual assistance Highly experienced KS2 teacher and Making time for you ex Deputy Headteacher offering Maths and English Providinga flexible approach to personal assistant support remotely to business tuition. owners, directors and entrepreneurs. Services include: Full DBS clearance. Based in Holton St Mary. For further details please • Research Project contact: Trena Walker 07773652095. • General Admin • Time Management (diary/emails) • Social Media Posts • Document Management • Project Management • Office Moves

Kate Baines M: 07799 391343 E: [email protected] W: www.prestigevirtualassistance.co.uk

38 39 Body Mind as One brings movement & mindfulness to adults of anyage,gender and ability

Classes online When lock-down eases Movement & Mindfulness (ZOOM) Body Mind asOne Yogalates™(Pilates & Yogafusion) group classes will be available £18 per person Tuesday&Fridays9:30 to 11:00 am

Mindfulness (ZOOM) Gentlemovement & guided relaxation £12 per person Monday &Fridays7:00 to 8:00 pm www.bodymindasone.com

40 41 42 43 Benefice Letter

On Monday, 14th December I was installed as the Priest-in-charge of the Benefice in a wonderful service led by the Bishop of Dunwich, the Rt. Rev’d Mike Harrison and the Archdeacon of Sudbury, the Ven. David Jenkins. Due to the Corona restrictions, numbers were very limited, we all wore masks and social distancing was observed, but that didn’t detract from the lovely, warm and welcoming atmosphere in Stratford St. Mary’s Church. My grateful thanks go to those who decorated the church so beautifully and to all who were able to attend and take part in the service. We are hoping to have a bigger service sometime in the new year, once life goes back to something resembling normality. In the meantime, I have moved into the Rectory but there are still quite a few boxes to be unpacked, not least because there were some maintenance issues which we only discovered after the move. The heating didn’t work and it took nearly a week and some serious rewiring in the house to get this sorted. I trust that things will be more settled by the time you read this.

Now I am trying to get my head round how things are done in our benefice, and I am confident that the time will come that I can find my way around without a SatNav. As I write this, Christmas is still a few days away and we have just heard the Prime Minister’s difficult announcement that large parts of the country are facing Tier 4 restrictions and family gatherings can only take place on Christmas Day, if at all. One of my daughters and my son-in-law live in a Tier 4 area so we won’t be able to see them over the festive period, and I am conscious that many of you are facing similar challenges, or that you may simply be cautious because of the Covid risk. My prayers during these difficult weeks will include all of you who are lonely or grieving. Please give me a ring or send me an email if you are struggling and I will be happy to have a chat. Do leave a message if I can’t pick up and leave your name and number and I will get back to you.

My husband and I are very much looking forward to meeting you and to getting to know many of you over the next few weeks and months. It will be more difficult to meet and to recognise everyone with masks, but there will be a time after Covid when we can all socialise again freely!

I wish you all a very happy & healthy 2021.

God bless. Yours in Christ,

Rev’d Manette

44 45 Benefice Services and Events Benefice Contacts,

** There will be no live service held in Raydon Church on December 27th.This is a change from information previously advertised. There will be a service on 27/12/20 to commemorate St. John the Evangelist available online or via Facebook. Priest-in-charge: Rev'd. Manette Crossman: MOBILE 07947 737789 [email protected] Services in January

Deacon: Please check our website for current updates:www.4marys.org.uk .The Rev'd. Nicola Tindall: 01787 212340 [email protected] pattern of services may be reviewed if Government guidance changes. Please contact Rev'd. Manette or Rev'd. Nicola to discuss any aspect of Sunday 3rd January – Stratford St. Mary 10.00 am Holy Communion faith and services in the Benefice including home visits. Sunday 10th January – Holton St. Mary 10.00 am Holy Communion th Benefice Administrator: Sunday 17 January – Higham 10.00am Holy Communion Frances Torrington: 01473 312046 [email protected] Sunday 24th January – Raydon 10.00 am Holy Communion Please contact Frances to talk about baptisms, confirmations, weddings, Stratford St. Mary 10.00 am Family Hour and funerals.

Benefice website: www.4marys.org.uk Mid-week Morning Prayer. updates also available on the Benefice Fb page A mid-week service of Morning Prayer, Stratford St. Mary, will take place Churchwardens: on Wednesday 20th.January at 10am in the Parish Room. Please contact Higham Hugo Parker 01206 337234 Christine Cousins 01206 322530 if you would like to attend.

Holton Richard Noel 01206 298276 Benefice churches open for private prayer Paul Torrington 01473 312046 The Lady Chapel inStratford St Mary church will be open for private Raydon Geoff Horrex 01473 310422 prayer on Wednesdays & Saturdays 10.00am to 2.00pm (the chapel is Simon Tennent 01473 310320 accessed via churchyard) . Raydon Church will be open for private prayer on Sundays on the 3rd. Stratford Jonathan Dewey 01206 322148 10th and 17th January 10.00am -3.00pm in addition to the live service on 24th January. Other churches in the Benefice will be closed except for Sundays when *If you wish to be added to the weekly email mailing list, to receive services take place. updates and links to online services, the daily bible readings and the current prayer list, please contact Sandy Ranson at: [email protected]

46 47 Elders Our Benefice is fortunate to have three lay elders, appointed locally and licensed to help and assist with certain aspects of church ministry. For example, they may undertake pastoral work e.g. visiting people in their homes or in hospital, work with young people in running family and children’s services and assist with general church services. The lay elders work as part of our local ministry team and may be contacted about local church matters if churchwardens are unavailable.

Christine Cousins 01206 322530

Janet Dewey 01206 322148

Sandy Ranson 01206 322156

For your Prayers

For healing, for those who are ill or in need, in our parishes and beyond:

Higham: Nicholas Maxwell-Lawford, Ian & Val Boothman, Gill Wilson & family, Penny Watkins, Amanda Berry, Margaret & Peter Snelling

Holton: Ron & Angela Stedman, Sylvia Golding

Raydon: David Lugger, Wendy Mumford and family, May Peacock, Janie O’Brien & her family

SSM: Nancy Ablitt, Laura Kerry, Josie Thompson & family, Andy Brass and family, David Ablitt.

Others: Helen Gregory

48