Volume 11 • Issue No. 1 • NOVEMBER 2020 Your free local community magazine: essential local news, services & information delivered through your door every month ™©

Inwith Burstall & SproughtonTouch www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk Free arts programme for ’s older residents See page 6

Update from Community shop See page 12

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2 In Touch online: Published by: A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Writing in the Irish Examiner, Mick Clifford argues that “a lot of people are finding it more difficult to view the pandemic other than through the prism of their own lives”. EDITOR: Sharon Jenkins “Sometimes,” he writes, “that view can’t offer anything beyond inconvenience, annoyance, frustration and even T: 01473 400380 resentment. In such a milieu, the plight of those who are suffering most recedes in the collective consciousness.” Send editorial copy to: [email protected] It’s a sobering argument with potentially horrifying consequences for us all if true, but I don’t agree with Mick’s Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and conclusion. Of course I’ve moaned about some of the minor inconveniences I’ve endured (home schooling wasn’t photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept exactly fun and I’m desperate to see my parents in Ireland) but I know my life hasn’t been altered in any significant responsibility for any loss. way by the pandemic, while for many it will never be the same again. The ongoing work to support those in ADVERTISING need, whether by groups formed in response to the pandemic or by longstanding organisations which have been T: 01473 400380 supporting the most vulnerable members of our society for many years, is proof positive that we, as a society, E: [email protected] haven’t lost touch with what really matters. However, we must continue to support those groups and organisations DISTRIBUTION who represent the best of us, while also complying with the restrictions to protect others and prevent further Tree Martin: 01473 400380 spread of this so-called silent killer. E: [email protected] Those of us with the means to, must also make a conscious effort to support our local businesses. Research on PRINTING ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379 spending by local authorities shows that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business 63p stayed E: [email protected] in the local economy, compared to 40p with a larger business, but consider too the role our local businesses have played in recent months and the many other benefits they provide; more jobs, more choice, that personal Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not touch we desire now more than ever, customer service second to none, support for local charities, space to meet, necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is originality, colour, vibrancy, reasons to visit, not to mention the positive impact on the environment and the space taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any we create for new ideas to thrive. responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting I hate the phrase, but it really is a ‘win-win’ scenario. With Christmas on the way, please consider buying local as advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ much as possible, and when someone asks you what you want for Christmas this year, why not ask for a voucher editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the for a local business? Your support right now may be critical. right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any “Together we can change the world, just one written complaints. random act of kindness at a time.” Ron Hall © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. IN TOUCH NEWS © In Touch with Stowmarket & Stowupland is This month I promised to tell you more about Colourplan Print. Colourplan is the base published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd upon which Mansion House Group has formed, first expanding to incorporate Musical Marketing (best known for Grapevine), then Mansion House Publishing, followed by Boswell Office Supplies and now Mansion House Media. Colourplan has been a staple presence in the local print industry since the late 80s when brothers Steve and Rob Printed on gloss paper from FSC certified sources Stone set up at Waterworks Street, Ipswich. The business moved to Wharfedale Road in 1992 and hasn’t looked Please recycle. back since. IN TOUCH TITLES The constant sound of the press in full working mode is one you get used to • Stowmarket & Stowupland • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew quickly when you work at MHG. That and the huge stacks of paper that seem • Melton & Woodbridge to disappear almost as quickly as they arrive. Every single one of the 75,000 • Manningtree, , Lawford & Mistley magazines we deliver each month is printed, finished and packed by Colourplan. • Hadleigh, , , Finishing is the process of trimming, folding and collating pages. That is Ash’s Holton St Mary, & field of expertise and requires enormous stamina and attention to detail. • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath Colourplan can print just about anything, from stickers to banners and every • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, size, shape, colour and quantity imaginable. In fact, Colourplan was my first Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden choice before I joined Mansion House; you don’t often see the managing & Woolpit director hauling boxes of beautifully printed brochures down two flights of stairs, • Needham Market & The Creetings but that’s the service you can expect from Colourplan. They look after their • , , , , Holbrook, , Stutton & customers, move mountains to meet deadlines and never compromise on the • Martlesham quality of the finished product. • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton Give them a call (01473 400380) if you need a quote or just want to discuss a job. • , Dedham, Steve is always happy to talk ‘print’ and will happily share the knowledge he has & Stratford St Mary built over the years. Just don’t let him tell you one of his ‘printer’ jokes! • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) What did the father printer say to the teenage printer? • , Belstead, Bentley, & Don’t use that toner with me. • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall KEEPING IN TOUCH We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe keepingintouchwith.co.uk / spotlightmagazine.co.uk / vanillamagazine.co.uk Tues 10 November Twitter: @InTouchEast / @vanillamagazine is the advertising and Instagram: @mansionhousepublishing / @vanilla.magazine editorial deadline for Facebook: @mansionhousepublishing / @vanillamagazinesuffolk the December edition www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/sproughton 3 NEWS

CHAIRMAN OF MID SUFFOLK DONATES SELF-ISOLATION SUPPORT FOR TO CHOSEN CHARITY LOW-INCOME EARNERS Cllr Lavinia Hadingham, the former chair of Mid Suffolk Residents on low-incomes and unable to work because they have been asked District Council, has donated £1244.78 to her chosen to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, can now claim a £500 payment to charity, Home-Start Mid and West Suffolk. compensate for loss of earnings. She said, “My extended year as chairman has been both As part of a nationwide government scheme, residents in Ipswich, Babergh and Mid Suffolk who are on low incomes and are unable to work because an interesting and a demanding one, particularly with they have been told by NHS Test and Trace that they have to self-isolate can the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. I have seen now apply for a lump sum payment from their local councils. The money will our communities rally together to support each other be paid into their accounts within days of their applications being verified, to and go the extra mile. relieve immediate financial hardship. “I have been thrilled with the support for the fundraising events I hosted last People who receive notification from NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate year. I may not have been able to host as many events as I had hoped, but because they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for to have raised over a thousand pounds it a great testimony to the support Covid-19, will be entitled to a £500 support payment if they meet all of the I received for my year as chairman and more deservedly the hard work of following requirements: Home-Start.” • They comply with the NHS Test and Trace notification to self-isolate Carol Read, the Chair of Trustees at Home-Start Mid and West Suffolk said, • are employed or self-employed “We are delighted with fundraising efforts and donation we have received and • are unable to work from home and will lose income as a result want to thank Cllr Hadingham for her support during her year as chairman. Her support has brought in much-needed funds and has also helped us to • and in receipt of one of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Working raise our profile across the district. Tax Credit, Income-based Employment and Support Allowance, Income- based Job Seeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit, “The work we do is about early intervention support to prevent a situation Pension Credit turning into a crisis, and in these precedented times the need to empower parents with young children is even greater.” Discretionary payments may also be available in exceptional circumstances to individuals who meet the main qualifying criteria (i.e. low-income and unable Meanwhile Cllr Barry Humphreys MBE, the new to work because they are self-isolating) but are not in receipt of qualifying chairman of Mid Suffolk District Council, has selected benefits and are facing severe financial hardship. Stowmarket Dementia Action Alliance (DAA) as his The scheme is being administered on behalf of all three local authorities by chosen charity for the year. the Shared Revenue Partnership – with a fast and simple application form now available on the councils’ websites (see below for links), together with Cllr Humphreys who was awarded his Military Division information about how to easily provide the evidence required and further MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2013, was details about the scheme. first elected to Mid Suffolk District Council in 2014, representing Chilton Ward. As a member of the council he has also served as To apply and find out more: vice-chair of Mid Suffolk’s District Council 2019/20 with his predecessor and Ipswich: ipswich.gov.uk/content/self-isolation-support-payments served on the council’s Development Control B Committee. Babergh: babergh.gov.uk/benefits/coronavirus-money-and-benefits-advice The Stowmarket Dementia Action Alliance charity promotes purpose and Mid Suffolk:midsuffolk.gov.uk/benefits/coronavirus-money-and-benefits-advice hope for individuals and families with dementia, supporting people living with dementia, their care partners, their circle of influence and dementia Claims must be made within 14 days of a period of self-isolation specialists to create a better world in which to live with dementia. ending. Individuals eligible on or after Monday 28 September will be able to make a backdated claim. Cllr Humphreys MBE said, “Stowmarket Dementia Action Alliance do great work in the local community, helping many who suffer with this terrible Residents are also reminded of the launch of the Suffolk Support and Advice disease and helping to make Stowmarket a more dementia-friendly Service to help people access information or support relating to debt, benefits, housing or employment. community. I have supported them previously and helped fund dementia- friendly film events in the local cinema, a huge success that I hope will Citizens Advice Suffolk Alliance, which includes the eight Citizens Advice continue and which I would be delighted to fund.” Bureaus across Suffolk, and Anglia Care Trust and Ipswich Housing Action Group are delivering advice and support to people through a single phone line. The phone line is funded by Suffolk Public Sector Leaders and has been developed by Suffolk-wide partners on the Collaborative Communities Covid-19 Board, which is part of the Suffolk Resilience Forum. People can contact the Suffolk Support and Advice Service on 0800 068 3131 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday or go to: tinyurl.com/y37z48n9 Submitted on behalf of Council, Mid Suffolk District Council and Ipswich Borough Council

4 In Touch online: www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/sproughton 5 NEWS

FREE ARTS PROGRAMME FOR SUFFOLK’S OLDER RESIDENTS

‘What is your village made of?’ invites adults (55+) to take part in activities The Zoom sessions are all free, but booking is essential as spaces are limited. that encourage creativity and connection with others, using their home Full information about the activities can be found at: villages and towns as inspiration. www.makedoandfriends.co.uk The programme has been designed as part of Suffolk Artlink’s ‘Make, Do & To request a Create activity pack, which can be posted direct to your home Friends’ project and will last until the end of March 2021. address, please either call 07857 002974 or email [email protected] Professional artists will publish regular Create activities on a blog site for and leave your full postal address. you to enjoy at your leisure. Each activity, from photography and drawing to ‘Make, Do & Friends’ is delivered in partnership with DanceEast and the Rural creative writing and printmaking, invites you to explore and enjoy different Coffee Caravan. aspects of your surroundings – and offers the opportunity to share your creations with others. Forthcoming dates The artists will also be visiting villages across Mid-Suffolk and Babergh, • Creative writing and Zoom skills with Dean Parkin, including Laxfield, Eye, Combs, Buxhall and Westhorpe, where they will November 3, 10.30am-noon connect with village residents to create artworks, drawing on the many and • Get more out of online radio drama listening with Lynn Whitehead, varied ways in which communities connect. November 30, 11am-12.30pm. If you fancy getting together, but not face-to-face, then why not join one of • Online Radio Listening Drama Club with Lynn Whitehead, December 2, the friendly community online get-togethers? Whether it’s taking part in a December 21, January 11, January 25 and February 8, 11am-12.30pm writing group or one of the Radio Drama Listening Clubs, these relaxed Zoom More to be announced soon. sessions will help you develop technical skills and confidence whilst enjoying a creative workshop. Photos by Gillian Allard

SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY

Peregrine falcons spotted at the facility presentation about the facility and its role in managing household waste A pair of peregrine falcons have found a new home at the Suffolk energy- in Suffolk, followed by a virtual tour of the facility led by our community from-waste facility, frequently residing on the louvres on the northwest liaison manager. side of the building. We are pleased the pair has taken up regular If you were not able to join us for the live event, a recording of the residence at the site, and we are in the process of constructing a nesting webinar is now available to watch online, via the news section of our area to encourage the possibility of nesting birds in spring 2021. website: https://tinyurl.com/y5oxefht Peregrine falcons are a protected species in the UK, and often find Any questions? unusual nesting places on tall, city structures that replicate the cliff If you have any queries about our operations, please do not hesitate to edges that they would naturally nest upon. They are among the fastest contact us: 01473 839149 / [email protected] animals on the planet, reaching speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when ‘stooping’ – diving down on prey from a height. USEFUL CONTACTS To register your interest in a future visit: Watch our Heritage Open Days webinar on YouTube 01473 839149 / [email protected] In September, the Suffolk energy-from-waste facility took part in the national Heritage Open Days festival with Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 two webinars about the facility. Attendees received a SUEZ Communities Trust:01934 524013

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www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/sproughton 7 8 In Touch online: NEWS

SPROUGHTON PARISH COUNCIL Pigeon/Burstall Lane REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY Despite great efforts from Sproughton Working Group, the parish council and On Sunday 8 November we plan to hold a service or some act of 335 objections, the decision of the Babergh planning committee was in favour remembrance in each of our villages. of the development by a vote of six for and five against. An article about the outcome was published in the local press. Despite this decision, we still In Sproughton, we hope to have as near normal a service as is need to prepare to ensure the application follows what has been approved currently possible, starting at 10.50am in All Saints’ Church. Under and that Pigeon meets their obligations. The developer has put forward for the rules at the time of writing, we will be limited to a maximum of a village car park and community space to be included in the development. 30 people attending, and everyone will – as is now usual – need to Please forward any suggestions you think the community space could be used book their place in advance by contacting Phil Jones: 01473 252624 / for to [email protected]. These will be forwarded to the developer. [email protected] Hopkins Homes/Loraine Way, 49 Dwellings Does anyone know if we have any surviving veterans, especially of the A public enquiry is provisionally set to open on December 1. Babergh Second World War in the village? They may prefer to attend the event District Council will make representations to uphold the decision against the in town but would, of course, be most welcome to join us. According development on heritage grounds. Comments will also be put forward by the to the website, this year’s service in Christchurch Park will be greatly parish council. reduced with no parade. Taylor Wimpey/Wolsey Grange Phase 2 Taylor Wimpey plans to apply for phase two in November, possibly with a short time for comments. The plans include building a further 750 houses in SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM the Chantry Vale area. For further details visit: Police are urging residents to be vigilant of fraudsters claiming to be police www.sproughton.onesuffolk.net/news officers following recent incidents in Lowestoft. Although this is a distance away, I feel it is still worthy of note. Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Council Joint Local Plan There is to be a review by Babergh in November. This will cover the 20-year The incidents have all included the offender pretending to be police officers period up to 2036. and asking for money, either to help with a relative who has been arrested or to help catch criminal gangs. Genuine police officers or staff would never Neighbourhood Plan Update approach residents and ask for cash withdrawals to be made or for people to Work on the Neighbourhood Plan is steadily moving forward with a date for purchase items on their behalf. completion in July 2021. A public consultation is planned for December. The plan is particularly important as it allows the community to set out proposals Police would ask people with vulnerable relatives, friends or neighbours to such as: make sure they are aware of this type of scam. • Having a shared vision for your neighbourhood Officers have this advice: • Choosing where new homes, shops, offices, and other development • Never give out personal information about your bank account to anybody should be built over the phone. • Identifying and protecting local green spaces • If someone calls to your home claiming to be a police officer, ask for • Having a say on what new buildings should look like their photo identification, officer number and police force. If the person • The Housing Needs Survey has now been signed off phones, hang up and call 101 using a different phone. If you can’t use a different phone, wait at least five minutes before calling back. A genuine The Neighbourhood Plan must work in conjunction with younger members of police officer will not mind waiting while you check. the community and Sproughton Working Group has approached the school to conduct a children’s survey to discover how they see and think Sproughton • Police and banks will never ask you to give out personal details such as should develop. account or PIN numbers. Leaflet • If you have given out information which could compromise your bank Look out for a leaflet regarding the Neighbourhood Plan and current planning account security in any way, call your bank to cancel your cards as soon as applications. possible. New Parish Council Members • Never hand over money to someone at the door to be sent off elsewhere. The council welcomes anyone interested in becoming a parish councillor. In other news, Suffolk Police have started a campaign to advise people on the Full meetings are held once a month with planning twice a month. These are best ways to contact the police. currently online via Zoom. Any other offers of help are much appreciated. The Contact and Control Room (CCR) continues to receive high volumes of CIL Money (Community Infrastructure Levy) calls, particularly at weekends and during holiday periods. With the surge in The parish council has received a CIL grant to spend on projects in the village. calls, this can inevitably mean there is an impact on waiting times. Comments and suggestions from the community are welcome. Please contact Kirsty Webber, the parish clerk: [email protected] Instead of waiting on the phone, residents can go to the force’s website and report non-urgent crime online by clicking the ‘report something’ button. The DATES FOR YOUR DIARY matter will then be dealt with in the same way as a call to 101. It may even be Wednesday 11 November quicker and more convenient. Online Planning Meeting 7pm /Parish Council meeting 7.30pm • To report something, visit: www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us Wednesday 25 November • For advice regarding crime prevention, anti-social behaviour, animal Online Planning Meeting 7pm protection and many other matters, go to: www.suffolk.police.uk/advice The agendas are put on the noticeboards as usual and if members of the • Please always ring 999 in an emergency. public wish to attend, contact the clerk, Kirsty Webber: 07538 311567/ [email protected] Have a good November, PC 287 Sarah George www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/sproughton 9 NEWS

ZAC NORMAN – DISTRICT COUNCILLOR FOR SPROUGHTON AND PINEWOOD It is with a very heavy heart I let you all know that the Pigeon Investment After speaking to James Cartlidge last month, it appears that we have some Management Ltd application for 105 houses in Sproughton was unfortunately hope but not currently a solution to the Bennett Homes flooding situation. approved on October 8 with six votes for and five against. James originally put me in contact with Andrew Reid at Suffolk County Council. However, this has now gone back to Ben Cook from Suffolk Highways who I would like to thank Sproughton Parish Council and Sproughton Working was part of the original solution. This will involve finding out the exact source Group for putting so much time and effort into trying to get this application of the flooding which may mean having to do another survey. Either way, I rejected, but also for working with Pigeon so that even though the scheme mentioned to Ben that the bottom line is the residents of Church Lane have has gone ahead, it is much better than it could have been. had to put up with this for two years and it cannot be allowed to continue. I highlighted the issues identified by myself and the community on traffic, This is now with Babergh’s drainage team. It is exhausting to keep being sustainability, the environment and various policies in the existing and passed from pillar to post and trying to get anyone to take responsibility. That upcoming Joint Local Plan on why this development should be refused. said, the least I can do is keep trying and pushing for a solution. As soon as I Unfortunately, when planning officers are so focused on getting things hear anything more, I will publish it here. approved, it’s almost impossible to get a refusal, even though we were close. I have made a report to Babergh District Council’s waste department That said, our work here isn’t done. It is now up to myself and the parish regarding the amount of fly-tipping taking place along Church Lane near the council to continue to work with Pigeon to make sure the scheme is the underpass. This has generated the reference number RI256023119. The most best it can be for Sproughton and to mitigate the most harmful effects this recent dump is of a large number of gas canisters. application will bring. I have also mentioned the rise in anti-social behaviour here and that I’d also like to thank you, the community, for the effort you all put into something needs to be done to prevent further fly-tipping in the area. objecting. A councillor on the planning committee mentioned that this was Babergh is now dealing with this and an operative will collect the waste and one of the most objected to applications of all time and the vote wouldn’t if there are any leads these will also be passed on to the authorities so the have been so close if it wasn’t for you. I will be eternally grateful for the work perpetrators of the crime can be caught. put in to try and save our village. I am very shocked and appalled that Hopkins Homes have decided to appeal Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic rages on. Our district has been to the Planning Inspectorate, the last layer of appeal before the Secretary of fortunate to have some of the lowest infection rates in the country. However, State with regards to their Loraine Way application. This has been lodged as the financial impact of Covid-19 will remain for a long time. It is estimated an appeal; AP/20/00090. This is for the application numbers DC/18/02010 that the number of people claiming Universal Credit in Suffolk has increased and DC/18/02412. by 75% (approx. 24,000) since March there has been a 238% increase in the amount of food handed out to single adults and families from Suffolk’s This application was rejected two times by Babergh District Council’s planning food banks. committee for the reasons of contradicting Babergh’s Local Plan and due to the heritage and environmental harm that the application would cause. The There are also 104,000 people still furloughed from their jobs. In response to good news is that Babergh is on our side and will be fighting a legal battle this, the Suffolk Resilience Forum has recently launched a phone line to help against the Planning Inspectorate to uphold the rejection that was given by residents access information or support relating to debt, benefits, housing or the planning committee. employment from the Citizens Advice Suffolk Alliance. Calls can be made free of charge to 0800 068 3131 from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Currently in I, along with Sproughton Parish Council will be giving support to Babergh in Babergh, the cumulative cases are 305 which is a rate of 331.4 per 100,000 the hopes of keeping the decision as a refusal. I am somewhat confident due residents. to the amount of evidence we have against the application that this decision will be upheld. We must prepare for the worst but will do everything in our A new farm shop and café have been given the green light in Hintlesham, in power to ensure that this does not happen. The final decision is not expected the same complex as Birch Farm. Plans for a farm shop were submitted to until December, but I will keep you all updated on the feeling and focus of Babergh District Council in the hope of attracting customers in the wake of the appeal. new shopping requirements due to coronavirus. It has been mentioned to me that a new bin has been added to the cemetery Six new part-time jobs will be created at the farm shop which will be built to side of the underpass, which is great. However, the same treatment has not the rear of the children’s centre – along with 15 additional car parking spaces. been given to the other side which still has no litter bin despite lots of daily The farm shop will also source and stock local produce. There are also plans foot traffic. Along with a concerned resident, I have been in contact with for cycle storage and electrical charging points. The farm shop will be allowed public realm to get a new bin in place on the other side to avoid rubbish to operate from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays ruining our beautiful countryside in Sproughton. This is now being taken up and bank holidays. with public realm who agree that this is a good idea. The only thing left to Plans to build a new A14 service station featuring a McDonald’s drive-thru sort out is the funding. Once I receive an update on this, I will publish it here. restaurant have also been given the final green light. Babergh District Council’s As always, if you have anything you’d like to raise with me, please don’t planning committee approved the application to build a drive-thru restaurant hesitate to get in contact. for McDonald’s and a petrol station on the land north of Bobbit’s Lane in in July. Now the plans have been given full planning permission, [email protected] / 07577 359922 meaning that work can start on-site at any time. The development is set to If you would like to sign up for my newsletter with more in-depth information, create around 20 full-time and 40 part-time jobs. please send me an email and you will be added to the mailing list.

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www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/sproughtonIn touch half page XMAS TREES 2020 190x132mm_LT.indd 1 08/10/2020 10:0911 OUT & ABOUT

SPROUGHTON COMMUNITY SHOP: SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Today (Oct 10) is World Mental Health Awareness Day and it occurs to me community shop at £9.99 each. that talking to people and sharing experiences helps us to process what is At the time of writing, we have reverted to the shorter hours of 9.30am happening in the world during this pandemic. to 12.30pm Monday to Saturday. We are still taking orders for items, in How lucky we are that for three hours a day six days a week there is particular newspapers and bread, and will be offering special items for always a friendly face at Sproughton Community Shop to pass the time of sale in the run-up to Christmas. day, share a joke and discuss the weather or whatever’s in the news. We We continue to thank our volunteers for their continued efforts in keeping are definitely ‘more than a shop’ for lots of members of our community our fantastic shop open during these difficult times. We also thank our helping each other during these tough times. customers for shopping small and local, where we offer a safe shopping Wendy Lavington has served as manager for almost 11 years and has environment and locally sourced products, help serve and give back to decided to hang up her apron. In the past few months, Wendy has our community and provide great customer service. worked tirelessly to maintain stock levels, ensuring we have always Visit us on Saturday 5 December to celebrate Small Business Saturday. had most items and has often been at suppliers early in the morning to purchase items for our shop to sell. Wendy’s experience will be missed Tracy Bootha by the directors and volunteers and we wish her an incredibly happy retirement. The shop directors are currently seeking a replacement. Sproughton Community Shop is a non-profit organisation and gives regular donations to organisations in the village and wider community. In the last three months, we have donated a total of £1,600 to Sproughton Primary School, The Millennium Green Trust and All Saints’ Church. If you are part of an organisation that may be interested in receiving a grant Small Business Saturday UK is a non-commercial campaign, which celebrates small business success and encourages consumers from Sproughton Community Shop, please make your request in writing to 'shop local' and to support businesses in their communities. to the shop directors at The Tithe Barn, Lower Street, Sproughton. Now in its eighth year in the UK, the campaign has grown significantly Simon Lavington, a well-known community shop volunteer, has written each year with an estimated £800m spent in small businesses across and published two books of short plays entitled Now Here Come the UK on 2019's Small Business Saturday, and a record turnout of I and Now Here We Come. More information can be found at 17.6 million people choosing to shop small on the day. www.runningbackstays.co.uk and Simon’s books are on sale in the

KEV’S CHRISTMAS MARKET

Creative metalworker Kev Colbear is year cannot go ahead, understandably, and so I decided to put on my own. holding a series of outdoor weekend I’m lucky to have a couple of big fields where social distancing can be made Christmas markets at his workshop in easy. There will be sanitiser and signage and whatever is needed to keep East Bergholt. shoppers safe. There is plenty of parking and we’ll have food and drinks too. I’d be delighted if people chose to do their Christmas shopping locally, from The event will begin on Saturday 14 independent businesses that need support.” November and end on December 20 and will take place every Saturday Kev is bringing together a collective of local artisans and makers to offer you and Sunday from 10am to 4pm at the chance to get festive and shop local. Different makers will attend each Woodlands Farm, Park Road, East weekend so follow Kev on social media or visit his website for details of who Bergholt CO7 6XT. Each weekend there you can expect to see when you plan your visit. will be a carefully selected bunch of Kev adds: “By mixing up the makers each weekend if people want to come independent local artisans and makers more than once or bring different sets of friends, they’ll always see something all waiting to show their amazing new. I’ll have all of my creative metalwork on display: obelisks and arches, wares. orbs, hornets and bulrushes for your garden as well as unusual sculptures Kev says: “I’m really excited to be that I’ve made this year. I’d love to see you all” hosting a series of real-life events! Follow @kevcolbeardesign on Instagram and Facebook and @kevcolbear So many markets and events that on Twitter or visit www.kevcolbear.com for up to date information and makers usually attend at this time of scheduling for Kev’s Christmas Market. 12 In Touch online: OUT & ABOUT / CHURCH NEWS

RIVER GIPPING TRUST Volunteers are working along the river most Wednesdays clearing up fallen trees along the footpath and cutting back overgrown shrubs. We are working in groups of six or less, sometimes with two separate teams. The trust has a collection of over 100 historic postcards of the river. Many of these are over 100 years old, some depict scenes of the 1830s. Do you have any old photos, paintings, postcards or memories of the river Gipping? If so, we would love to hear from you. There are already over 100 historic images in the gallery on our website and we would love to add more. The Trust has sent letters and leaflets to more than 150 local councillors and organisations whose boundary includes the River Gipping advising them of our plans to build a new footbridge over the river between Baylham and Needham Market. The new bridge will open up nearly a mile of the river not seen by walkers for over 70 years. The primary objective is to improve the walking experience of those that use the Gipping Way. Please contact us if you can help us with our fundraising or would like some leaflets to help increase our fundraising awareness. Email us at: [email protected] Earlier this year we planted over 50 trees along the river and we plan to plant 200 more later this year. If you would like to support us, you can now do so by applying for membership of the Trust online. WELLBEING SERVICE FOR AGES 10-25 Restoration Manager Ian Petchey / www.rivergippingtrust.org.uk It’s easy to find your mental health declining during these worrying times where everything seems so uncertain. If you find yourself looking for help, SOMERSHAM BAPTIST CHURCH Inspire Suffolk has a new service that may be of use to you. Our present sufferings Their new wellbeing service enables young people, aged 10-25, to speak to a The stress of living with ever-changing guidelines and rules in society, business counsellor over-the-phone or video chat. and worship is taking its toll on us all. We all are weary. November’s emphasis The service is free and operates on a self-referral basis, with no waiting list, on remembering those who died in war and praying for the persecuted church around the world helps us get some perspective on our present sufferings. and aims to provide young people with the knowledge, tools and coping strategies to deal with mental health in a positive and healthy way. The New Testament was written in a hostile environment for Christians who were urged to focus on future glory in present suffering. Look at the letter Inspire Suffolk is inviting young people, who may be having a hard time, to the Apostle Paul wrote to the church meeting in Rome: “I consider that take part in 30-minute sessions over a four-week period to improve their our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be outlook, wellness and mental health, delivered twice per week. revealed in us” (Romans 8 v18). Services like these are never more needed than now, with over 69% of Paul’s sufferings may have been related to a plot on his life that he escaped people using the service reporting a decline in mental health because of by moving on. Already he had been stoned and left for dead and then the pandemic. imprisoned. The church at Rome had experienced the loss of its Jewish Christians in persecution by Emperor Claudius. This service provides young people with the help they need; 94% of young people say they feel more positive about the future after using the service. Paul relates these sufferings to the frustration of creation awaiting its renewal at the return of Jesus. The Christian suffers similar frustration longing for the 98% of young people who have used Inspire Suffolk’s service would freedom that awaits us. We are frustrated by our coldness toward God, our recommend it to a friend and 95% of young people who used the service saw repeated sin and the despair that we are not more like our great elder brother an improvement in their personal well-being after using the service. Jesus. Those frustrations will melt away when Christ returns. Users of Inspire Suffolk’s service had this to say about how it helped them The stress of our present troubles is sweetened by the hope of future glory. cope during hard times: Let us keep this in mind when the rules change once again. SPECIAL MEETINGS “It has helped me to understand that how I feel is normal and that it is not forever, there are things I can do about it.” Sunday 8 November: 10.45am Remembrance Service in St Mary’s Churchyard “It is so effective and helped me come to terms with things, which I would not Sunday 15 November: 11am Worship in the village Hall with guest preacher be able to do on my own.” David Dean of Barnabas Fund To find out more about Inspire Suffolk’s well-being service, follow the link Regular Meetings You are very welcome to join us as we meet on Sundays at 11am in the village below: https://inspiresuffolk.org.uk/courses/wellbeing-service/ hall. The doors open at 10.50am; please wear a facemask and bring your own hand sanitiser and a drink. We keep a record of people who attend for contact tracing purposes. DEMENTIA TOGETHER We have moved our Zoom prayer meetings to Wednesday evenings at 8pm. CALL FREE 08081 688 000 Regular updates can be found on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ Email: [email protected] somershambaptistchurchsuffolk Visit: www.dementia-together.com Pastor Mark 01473 831940 / [email protected] www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/sproughton 13 CHURCH NEWS

THE NORTH SAMFORD BENEFICE Sproughton with Burstall, Copdock with Washbrook and Belstead & Bentley with Tattingstone

For parish queries please contact: somehow different, but the same Jesus. Likewise, for those who are his, still ourselves, but more gloriously so. He will transform our frail bodies so that Rev Annette Shannon they will be like his glorious body. That means identity, recognition. The Rectory, Glebe Close, Sproughton IP8 3BQ [email protected] / 01473 807674 Finally, “I believe in the life everlasting”. God’s plan has always been that we should live in a wonderful fellowship with one another and with God himself. Benefice Administrator Hayley Purnell He “will wipe away all tears from their eyes… There will be no more death, no [email protected] / 07904 972116 more grief, crying or pain.” “I am making everything new,” he says (Revelation Dear Friends 21.5) Remember, remember… Retailers tell us we have largely stopped “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has remembering the attempt by Guy Fawkes and his friends in 1605 to blow up prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2.9) King and Parliament and turned to Hallowe’en instead. Tony Wilcox But early November still brings remembrance in various ways. The Church bids us remember the saints – all God’s people – who have served and CHURCH OPENING TIMES witnessed and, in many cases, lost their lives or at least their freedom, Tattingstone Church is open every Sunday and Wednesday between 10am rather than renounce their trust in Jesus. Then, we remember those who lost and 4pm. Please follow all guidelines to keep safe. their lives defending our and others’ freedom in two world wars, Korea, the Falklands, Northern Ireland and elsewhere. And we remember those whom Burstall Church is now open for private prayer from 10am till 3pm on Sundays we have had to say farewell to and miss still. and from 3pm till 6pm on Wednesdays. Social distancing measures are in place. Perhaps this last is a recent experience and you’re still feeling the shock, the emptiness, perhaps the anger as well as the grief. I hope you can hold Bentley Church will be open soon. Please contact Peter Day, the churchwarden, on to the good things too, the things you’re proud of in someone you cared for information: 01473 310518 about and can remember with thankfulness. I think it’s worth sorting the Sproughton and Copdock are open alternate weeks with a 10am Holy photos and writing down the stories before the memories fade. That’s my Communion Service. experience, anyway. There will be a weekly Live Facebook Communion Service from the Rectory and 6pm services and reflections will continue on Zoom. FROM THE REGISTRAR Baptisms Jessica Froud – Sproughton Weddings Claire Bumstead & Ryan Goldsmith – Copdock Burial of Ashes Dorothy Easton – Copdock Alan Munnings – Sproughton Robert Parkes – Belstead Maureen O’Sullivan – Copdock All Souls’ Service at Twilight But will we ever see our loved ones again? Churchgoers will be familiar with Join us for this special service at 6pm on November 1 live from the Rectory the Apostles’ Creed, the statements of our beliefs. Towards the end, it says: on Facebook. “I believe in the communion of saints”. Saints are just all the people who love Remembrance Service God, follow Jesus and know his Spirit is in them. There are promises in the There will be Remembrance Services at 10.50am in Belstead, Sproughton, Bible about our destiny in God’s presence forever, in a transformed creation. Copdock, Tattingstone, Burstall and Bentley on November 8. Join usto Not that there’s space here to go into them! remember them. Remembering has its other side, however. So many people die unexpectedly NOVEMBER SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE – whether naturally, because of the pandemic, by accident or violence, and Celtic Evening Prayer Service every Wednesday at 8pm on Facebook - Raul we were unable to say goodbye. It is even worse if our last word to someone Arkaia. we loved was in anger, irritation or sarcasm. We couldn’t know it would be our last word, our last meeting: “I wish I hadn’t said that”; “I wish we’d sorted Sunday 1 November that business out”; “I wish I’d spent more time, visited more often, talked 10-10.35am Shortened Holy Communion, Sproughton Church about this or that…”; “If only...”. 3-3.50pm *Live Facebook from Rectory 6pm Special All Souls’ Service on Facebook The Apostles’ Creed continues: “I believe in the forgiveness of sins”. Jesus 6-6.40pm Zoom Evening Prayer, Lay Led often underlined how important forgiveness is, both to receive and to offer. He, by his death on the cross, made it possible for us to be forgiven by God Sunday 8 November and by his Spirit living in us, makes it possible for us to offer forgiveness. Even 10.50am Remembrance Services in Belstead, Sproughton, to someone who is not here to hear it. Copdock, Tattingstone, Burstall, Bentley 6pm Remembrance Service on Zoom The Creed goes on: “I believe in the resurrection of the dead”. Christians believe in the resurrection of the body – that is, that we shall be raised Wednesday 11 November as Jesus was, a whole person. After his resurrection, he was recognised, 11am BCP Holy Communion, Sproughton Church 14 In Touch online: CHURCH NEWS

Sunday 15 November 10-10.35am Shortened Holy Communion, Copdock Church 3-3.50pm *Live Facebook from Rectory 6-6.40pm Zoom Evening Prayer, Lay Led 7-7.35pm Wedding Couples AH/TW Sunday 22 November 10-10.35am Shortened Holy Communion, Sproughton Church 3-3.50pm *Live Facebook from Rectory SUFFOLK 6-6.40pm Zoom Evening Prayer, Lay Led Sunday 29 November 10-10.35am Shortened Holy Communion, Copdock Church Don’t get the winter blues 3-3.50pm *Live Facebook from Rectory With the darker nights and the weather turning colder 6-6.40pm Zoom Evening Prayer, Lay Led and a little wetter it’s easy to find reasons not to exercise. Here at In Touch, we are passionate about helping our *Holy Communion with Rev Annette; Live Facebook from Rectory readers to get and stay active this winter, whether that’s working out at home with the great free resources available online, outside in a safe way taking part in activities like walking, jogging and cycling or back playing a team sport where appropriate. CHRISTMAS SERVICES Over the past eight months we have been working in Sunday 6 December partnership with Keep Moving Su­olk to provide you with 8am Copdock Holy Communion ideas, resources, and information to help you not only 10am Sproughton Holy Communion get active but stay active and this month is no di­erent. 10am Bentley Holy Communion We hope you find the resources helpful and keep you moving this winter. Sunday 13 December 10am Copdock Holy Communion 10am Burstall Christingle It may be damp, a little cold and even dark 6pm Zoom Evensong in the evening’s, but why not set yourself a challenge and start your couch to 5k now Sunday 20 December and have a spring in your step come April 10am Bentley Non-Eucharistic 2021! Time spent outside doing some 10am Belstead Holy Communion physical activity will help boost both your 5pm Sproughton Non-Communion physical and mental health in these challenging times. Thursday 24 December: Christmas Eve Get started at: 10am Tattingstone Holy Communion www.keepmovingsu olk.com/staying-active/ 6pm Zoom Christmas Service 11.30pm Copdock Midnight Mass Friday 25 December: Christmas Day 9am Burstall Holy Communion 10am Bentley Holy Communion 10am Sproughton Holy Communion If you are looking for motivation and a reason not to put your bike in the shed or garage for the winter now’s the time to sign up to Love to Ride Su­olk. Ride anywhere, anytime for fun, fitness, or transportation to earn points, rewards, and prizes. GUIDANCE THE CHURCHES WILL BE ADHERING TO FOR SERVICES You can win bikes, bike gear, gift cards and more. Join To comply with the 2m distancing rule for public worship, Sproughton will today at: www.lovetoride.net/su olk only be able to host 20-30 people and Copdock 20-25. People from the same household or ‘bubble’ can sit together. People will be asked to sanitise their hands on entry and exit. Exercising Indoors Wearing of face masks for the congregation is voluntary but clergy when preparing the Eucharist will be wearing a mask. If the great outdoors is not for you during the winter months, then why not take advantage of the vast array of Those at extra risk and clinically extremely vulnerable are still at risk when online resource and workouts that you can do indoors, attending public worship. and the great thing is there all free on the Keep Moving A note will need to be made of all those who attend to comply with Su­olk website! government guidance for Track and Trace. www.keepmovingsu olk.com/exercise-in-your-home There will be no singing. Communion will be bread only for communicants. Churches will be left for 72 hours before reopening. In the event of www.keepmovingsu olk.com a funeral taking place, additional cleaning may be necessary. Service sheets will be printed and left in pews for people to take away/reuse. People will be invited to leave their collection in a receptacle as they enter or @keepmovingsu olk leave. Those counting the money are to wear gloves. @keepmovingsu olk @Most_Active Please submit church letters and copy for the December of In Touch to Hayley Purnell by November 4: [email protected] www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/sproughton 15 ON THE GRAPEVINE ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES AT BURSTALL PARISH COUNCIL MORE OUTSTANDING NAMES ADDED TO CAST LIST OF WHAT A CARVE UP! Burstall Parish Council Chair Cllr Gasper The Barn Theatre in Cirencester, the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield Burstall Parish Council Vice-Chair Cllr Cooper and the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich have announced the full cast for the digital world premiere of Henry Filloux-Bennett’s online play What A Carve Burstall Parish Clerk, RFO & Proper Officer Mrs S Frankis Up!, based on Jonathan Coe’s critically acclaimed satirical novel.

Emergency Planning Officer Cllr Kerrison

Footpath Officer Cllr Burchnall

Litter Cllr Smith

Parochial Church Council (PCC) Cllr Fiske

Red Kiosk Monitor Cllr L Raby

Road Safety Officer Cllr L Raby

Suffolk Association of Local Councils (SALC) Cllr Rawlings Casting announced on October 13 includes Jonathan Bailey (centre) as Tree Warden Vacant Henry Winshaw, Samuel Barnett (right) as Michael Owen, Robert Bathurst as Thomas Winshaw, Celia Imrie (left) as Joan Simpson and Dervla Kirwan as Village Hall Liaison Cllrs Raby & Cooper the Brunwin Advert. The newly announced cast members join Fiona Button as Josephine All councillors can be contacted via email: Winshaw-Eaves, Sharon D. Clarke as Kim Bolton, Alfred Enoch as Raymond [email protected] Owen, Rebecca Front as Hilary Winshaw, Stephen Fry as Patrick Mills, Sir Derek Jacobi as Findlay Onyx, Griff Rhys Jones as John Stephens and Tamzin OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS Outhwaite as Interviewer 2020. The full cast also includes Catrin Aaron, Jamie Ballard, Jack Dixon, Julian Harries, James McNicholas and Lizzie Muncey. Burstall St Marys Church The play, which will be available internationally, will run from 31 October [email protected] to 29 November 2020. Tickets can be purchased at whatacarveup.com with audience members receiving a screening link which will activate at their Sproughton Burial Ground booked performance time for 48 hours. A premium option, consisting of a [email protected] physical programme and pre-theatre dining recipe card, will be available for Burstall WI UK residents. President, Nadia Eustace The murder mystery is written by Henry Filloux-Bennett (Nigel Slater’s Toast), [email protected] based on the award-winning novel by Jonathan Coe, directed by Tamara Secretary, Ann Day Harvey (Home, I’m Darling) with Harry Smith (Henry V, Private Peaceful) as [email protected] sound designer and composer, Annie May Fletcher as production coordinator and Holly Piggott as set designer. Village Hall Bookings, Steve Fordham 01473 652678 / [email protected] Jonathan Coe said of the new adaptation: “I’m thrilled that What a Carve Up! is being brought to the stage by such a talented and experienced team. It’s Annual Burstall Show, Village Hall Secretary 25 years since I wrote the book but unfortunately, its political satire seems as [email protected] relevant as ever. I’m sure the new adaptation will capture that, as well as the novel’s sense of fun and irreverence. I’m looking forward to getting to know Burstall Village Lunches, Ann Burchnall it again!” 01473 652262 [email protected] The digital production, directed by Tamara Harvey (Home, I’m Darling), chronicles the events leading up to the ‘Winshaw Murders’. Filled with Burstall Carpet Bowls, Jane Sago murder, mayhem and madness, the murder mystery turns a satirical eye on 01473 742468 what it is like to be a member of one of the most corrupt, powerful and toxic families in the country. Tamara Harvey said of the announced casting: “There are some casts so dazzling that my job, as a director, is to not get in the way. This is one of them. My only sadness, of course, is that we don’t get to be in the rehearsal room together. But the fact that these brilliant actors have all agreed to create this piece to raise money for regional theatres is one of the ways we’re all still fighting to ensure that there will still be rehearsals rooms across the country, somewhere, somehow, in our future.” The recipe card included in the premium option will be curated by world- renowned chef Asma Khan. A portion of the proceeds raised by What A Carve Up! will be donated to a freelance fund to support the creative workforce that the theatres would not be able to survive without. The production is kindly supported by Blackmagic Design. 16 In Touch online: ON THE GRAPEVINE

FIRST PHASE OF CULTURE RECOVERY FUND AWARDED BY ARTS COUNCIL Just as we went to press with this month’s magazines, Arts Council England announced an investment of £257 million in 1,385 venues, theatres, museums and cultural organisations across England, through the first tranche of the NEW PROGRAMME SET TO SUPPORT government’s Culture Recovery Fund Grants Program which Arts Council England are administering. Further announcements will be made but this first YOUNG UNPAID CARERS announcement reflects applications for under £1 million. This year, almost 270,000 unpaid carers in our region, including 50,000 young In our region awards of over half a million pounds have been made to carers, have been faced with new challenges, taking on increased caring Snape Maltings, Spa Pavilion Felixstowe, Southend Theatres, Peterborough responsibilities in the face of Coronavirus. New Theatre and Harlow Playhouse. Other theatres have also benefited with The Co-op’s Community Care’s Fund is helping to provide grants being awarded to New Wolsey in Ipswich and Theatre Royal in Bury support to unpaid carers in our region, including both adult and young carers, St Edmunds. some only four years of age. Music venues Epic Studios in Norwich, The Junction in Cambridge, The The latest grant of £57,000 will support eight projects across Suffolk, Norfolk Waterfront in Norwich and The John Peel Centre in Stowmarket have also and Essex, providing support and respite. been awarded much-needed funds which will hopefully help them survive. In all, about 90% of music venues across England received grants. According to Carersweek.org, an unpaid carer undertakes 50 hours of care each week on average, while trying to maintain a life of their own. Mark Davyd, director of the Music Venues Trust said: “We’re looking at a really incredibly positive major intervention by the government that’s going Suffolk Family Carers helps support carers of all ages across Suffolk get the to have a massive impact on the grassroots sector”. support they need to live fuller lives, and over the past 30 years have provided advice and support to thousands of family carers. The funding has been widely welcomed as a gamechanger for venues struggling to stay viable, but there are still industry concerns for the The grant received from the East of England Co-op Community Cares’ Fund, freelancers who work in these venues either as performers or as technicians, will support both older and younger carers in the county. many of whom have missed out on grants. For older carers, understanding and accessing entitlements, and completing The Incorporated Society of Musicians, an industry body, said the funds would the associated paperwork, can be complicated. A proportion of the grant will not create a “cultural bounce back” and called for a freelance performers help fund an additional position to provide greater capacity for older carers support scheme. This would include a cultural exemption on VAT for tickets looking to claim support. and a guaranteed fee for each performer. Head of Services at Suffolk Family Carers, Hayley Hancock (pictured), explained: “This funding will help carers obtain and retain the benefits they are entitled to. Helping carers to plough through the increasing, often TRUSTEES WEEK 2020, NOVEMBER 2-6 complex and overwhelming, paperwork will help alleviate stress. This is now more important than ever in Suffolk following the closure of Age UK Trustees’ Week is an annual event to showcase the great work that trustees Suffolk who previously helped in this area.” do and highlight opportunities for people from all walks of life to get involved and make a difference. A survey, carried out in July 2020 by Carers Trust, found that 67% of the young carers surveyed were more worried about the future, with 69% feeling less Trustees are the people in charge of a charity. They help to make the UK connected to others and 40% of saying their mental health had worsened the sixth most giving country in the world. They play a vital role, volunteering in recent months. In addition, almost 8% of young carers and 15% of young their time and working together to make important decisions about the adult carers reported providing over 90 hours of care per week. charity’s work. These findings make the scoping of a new programme to help combat Community Action Suffolk is hosting several events for you to take part in childhood trauma for young carers particularly important. The new service during the week. Visit the events page on the CAS website to look for: has the aim of supporting over 40 registered young carers in Lowestoft and Suffolk Coastal area, to form new networks and build resilience. The new Monday: The value of Young Trustees and how to recruit successfully service will combine workshops with one-to-one school and peer support, Tuesday: Finance essentials for treasurers and Trustees resulting in bespoke, child-friendly family road maps, with appropriate Wednesday: Introduction to the role of a Trustee signposting. Thursday: Social Investment for Trustees Niall O’Keeffe, Joint Chief Executive for the East of England Co-op, said: If you cannot make these events, Jayne, our Development Officer-Governance “This past year has been difficult for many, with social distancing and and Community Buildings supports trustees throughout the year. shielding, working from home and lockdown removing the opportunity to spend time with family and friends. Are you an aspiring young trustee? If you are 16-30 years old and interested in finding out more about charities “For those with additional caring responsibilities, lockdown measures have and trusteeship contact Janet from the Young Leadership Project to find out compounded the feeling of isolation. With coronavirus very much still more: [email protected] impacting our daily lives, we felt it important to ensure that those who are doing so much for others, get access to the support they need personally, To get involved with Trustees’ Weet, visit: and we are therefore delighted to support this initiative.” www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk / www.trusteesweek.org www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/sproughton 17 THE POWER OF EMPATHY Providing mental health/boredom packs to the most vulnerable people in our society

“The structure and routine we had provided were so abruptly stripped away, and with it, all social contact with the colleagues and staff they had come to trust. That’s why, in addition to regular phone calls from our team of volunteers, we came up with the idea of mental health packs, made up of supplies such as CDs, DVDs, books, puzzles and clothing, to help alleviate some of the issues around boredom and loneliness, and to encourage them to stay at home when needed to protect themselves and others.” With support from the Covid-19 fund managed by Suffolk Foundation, Emmaus Suffolk expanded this offer to support people that have been in vulnerable situations throughout the pandemic and are highly susceptible to anxiety, mental health issues and further social isolation. This includes people previously sleeping rough who have been housed in temporary accommodation as a response to Covid-19, people in hostel accommodation and those who are shielding with pre-existing conditions that make them highly vulnerable to Covid-19. Current partners and referrers include Ipswich Borough Council (Housing First, rough sleepers project and young people’s housing), Felixstowe Town Council, IHAG Chapman Centre, Cavendish Lodge (emergency bed hostel), Notting Hill Geneses Housing, Housing First project run by IHAG, ACT outreach service, Withipoll Lodge (female only homeless shelter), Genesis Housing Amongst the chaos of papers and magazines on my desk are three framed Felixstowe, Talitha Koum (female only shelter), Home Start, Stowmarket photos of my son. I bought the frames at the Emmaus shop on Dales Road, Foodbank, Turning Point, Suffolk Refugee Support, GYROS and Flagship just up the road from the Mansion House Publishing office, but my knowledge Housing Group residents. All partner organisations have seen a significant of Emmaus was limited, to say the least. increase in engagement on receipt of a mental health/boredom pack. When I heard how Emmaus Suffolk has been helping to alleviate Covid-19 A further grant of £31,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund has loneliness with mental health/boredom packs, I decided to look a little enabled Emmaus to provide these packs until Dec 2020 to even more people. deeper and I would like to share what I have learned. Creating positive They would like to hear from any local/grassroots organisations working outcomes through the creation of a sense of community and belonging is with vulnerable or socially excluded people or from individuals who would what drives Emmaus, so I know you too will share their ambition and want to appreciate a pack for themselves. support their efforts. Simply get in touch by emailing [email protected]. Emmaus Suffolk is an independent local charity offering a new and different Packs can be collected by prior arrangement from Emmaus Suffolk sites in way of increasing the chances for the homeless and long-term unemployed Ipswich or Felixstowe, or, with our support, from identified sites across the in Suffolk. In the words of Chief Executive Claire Staddon, “At Emmaus we county. help generate self-esteem by giving people the chance to make a difference for themselves through meaningful activity that will benefit both themselves To assist Emmaus in its effort to reach as many people as possible, Mansion and others.” House Publishing is helping to deliver packs to local sites where they can be picked up by prior arrangement. Emmaus does this by providing work opportunities and experience to those who have been unemployed for a long time and those that are homeless or at Every month, we deliver magazines to towns and villages across Suffolk and risk of being so, and by offering volunteering roles within the (not-for-profit) our Boswell Office Supplies delivery van is on the road every day. When Claire business. mentioned the difficulty of getting packs out to people, we considered how we could help and we’re now working with Emmaus to find local, easily There are three Emmaus shops in Suffolk, on Dales Road and in Sailmakers accessible drop-off sites, such as shops and libraries, where we will drop Shopping Centre in Ipswich, and in Great Eastern Square in Felixstowe. The off packs at least once a month. We’re also planning to donate stationery shops are run by volunteers and offer an extensive range including donated products which will be especially popular with children.” good quality clothing and household goods along with ethically sourced and recycled products. The charity is passionate about helping vulnerable people If you would like to donate items for packs or can assist will deliveries in areas and reducing waste by upcycling whilst offering low-income families more we can’t cover, please contact Emmaus at [email protected]. choice of affordable goods whilst encouraging domestic recycling in the local community. If you’re in any doubt about the impact the project is having, Emmaus volunteers up-cycle donated furniture at their workshop in here is a small sample of the feedback received by Claire. Sailmakers, using recycled chalk paint. Volunteers are central at all levels “I have been having contact with a young man at Christchurch House of the business, including donation collection, sorting, repair, up-cycling who is really struggling with his mental health and finds it extremely to customer service and retail experience. Through providing occupation, difficult with the lockdown, he probably has ADHD among other issues. people gain experience, training and transferable skills and self-respect and A boredom pack made a big difference.” personal empowerment. Johnathan Dixon, Rough Sleeper Project NSFT Since opening in 2016, the charity has supported over 300 people in work- “Really good idea, people have been grabbing them and they are ready volunteering roles, whilst giving back to the community they live making a huge difference to peoples mental health” in. Each volunteer has a development plan, enabling Emmaus to identify Rob Wragg – Assertive Outreach Worker progression and future skills support required. “Thank you so much. I’ve already lit the candle and started the puzzle. I surprised myself with the puzzle and its really helped The challenges and risks faced by those who Emmaus works, many of whom with my anxiety.” Donna have very few resources, were significantly exacerbated by the impact of the pandemic. “Thank you so much for my boredom pack. I can’t express how grateful I am and thank you for your kind service in “The lockdown was extremely difficult for the people we work with, many of these circumstances.” Julie whom have mental health issues,” says Claire. 18 In Touch online:

VILLAGE CONTACTS LIST Details for organisations and activities in Sproughton

Allotments / [email protected] Sproughton Parish Council 07540 053289 Almshouses (Cooper Trust) Ken Seager: 07578 552324 Badminton Club [email protected] Burial Ground / 07538 311567 Sproughton Parish Council [email protected] Bowls Club 01473 742572 / David Taylor Brownies www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested Carpet Bowls Club 01473 748302 Children’s Play Area / [email protected] Sproughton Parish Council Church Hall Booking 01473 464336 Sproughton Community Shop 01473 747768 Footpath Warden / [email protected] Sproughton Parish Council Jigsaw Pre-School [email protected] Millennium Green Trust [email protected] Toddler Group [email protected] Parish Council Clerk Kirsty Webber [email protected] 07538 311567 Parish Council Chairman 01473 742862 / Helen Davies [email protected] Sproughton All Saints’ Church [email protected] Playing Field Committee [email protected] Lunch Club Rosalind Lavington 01473 213254 / 01473 747768 Quilters Julie Hodges: 01473 226004 / [email protected] Ramblers Doreen Bradbury: 01473 210008 Reading Room [email protected] & Caretakers House Trust Senior Citizens Club [email protected] Sproughton CEVC Primary School [email protected] Sproughton Tennis Club [email protected] Tithe Barn Bookings / 07538 311567 Sproughton Parish Council [email protected] Tower Captain (Church Bells) [email protected] Tree Warden / 07538 311567 Sproughton Parish Council [email protected] Village History Recorder Doreen Bradbury: 01473 210008 To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380 a member of our sales contact please and Essex, advertise in this section, which appears 18 magazines areas across Suffolk To www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/sproughton 19