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2 In Touch online: A WORD FROM THE EDITOR NEWS

It’s traditional in our house to go out for pizza on the day school breaks for summer, but not this year. We did order in, but after months of homeschooling, the sheer joy of having six long weeks at home (or away) was somewhat muted. Oh I’m sure Jack will be pleased I’m not asking him to read poetry, but I know he’d love time with his friends right now, not more time away from them. How many times have you heard people say ‘it’s just not the same’, or ‘isn’t it all getting a bit much now’? I can’t disagree but I refuse to let it get me down. When I think about those first few weeks when we didn’t yet understand what was coming our way but knew it was going to be bad, I feel very lucky. I’m sure most of us do but my heart goes out to those who have lost family members or friends. Not being able to say goodbye or to hold the hand of a loved one as they slip away must be utterly heart-breaking. A message which popped up on Twitter in those early days completely destroyed me, still does in fact. It was from a delivery driver who has just delivered an BELLS RING AGAIN iPad to an elderly woman so she could watch her daughter’s funeral online. The lost city of Dunwich on the Suffolk Coast, once one of the most important I immediately stopped complaining about how slow my Wi-Fi was and how town/ports in the country, was swept into the sea by catastrophic storms in much I was missing ‘proper’ coffee. Whenever I get fed-up and feel hard done the 13th century and is now just a small village. Medieval homes, businesses by because I can’t do what I want when I want, that message comes to mind and churches were lost beneath the waves. Legend has it that the bells of the and I quickly pull myself together. lost churches can still be heard, ringing beneath the North Sea, and Dunwich Things are moving on, opening up, getting back to some semblance of can justifiably be considered ’s contender for the lost city of Atlantis! normality, which is wonderful, but do we really want things to go back to the way they were before? If you’ve been homeschooling since March, I’m sure Little wonder that the stuff of legend – and history – is also ripe inspiration you’re screaming “YES” (and I agree entirely) but I don’t think I’ve ever felt so for song. Suffolk based folk/rock band The Silburys wrote and feature The connected to my local community, both socially and commercially, as I do right Dunwich Bells on their Broadside & Mayhem CD and, more recently, on now and I love it. Of course, we’ve always had a strong sense of localism in this their Live at Springfest album. With lockdown easing – and keeping social part of the country, but it can’t just be me who thinks it’s stronger now than it distancing regulations – the band felt it was time to commit the song to film. ever was before. The video was filmed recently on location in Dunwich, at an indecently It’s a privilege to work on a series of magazines which celebrate, support, early hour to ensure the beach and remains of the 800-year-old friary were promote and facilitate the communities, in every aspect, where we publish and deserted. Band leader and vocalist, Scott Dolling, is delighted with the I know we are stronger now than we were before and that we will be there for results. Filmed in black and white, the video, he feels, completely captures each other whatever comes our way. the atmosphere of the song and of Dunwich itself. He said: “Dunwich Bells is Take care as you venture out and about to enjoy our wonderfully beautiful always a favourite at our concerts with its pounding beat and the open strings corner of the planet and let’s never forget just how fortunate we are. of guitar and mandolin replicating the sound of the ringing bells. Having been unable to play live in recent months, it was a great treat for the band to be Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, together and fun to produce.” 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP He added that the video could make a great backdrop for the song when the EDITOR: Sharon Jenkins In Touch Titles band finally gets back to performing live. In the meantime, the video can be T: 01473 400380 •  & Stowupland viewed at: www.silburyhill.net/gallery Send editorial copy to: • Kesgrave & [email protected] Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and • Melton & Woodbridge photographs for publication. The publishers reserve • Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley the right to amend such submissions and cannot • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, accept responsibility for any loss. Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon ADVERTISING • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall T: 01473 400380 & Warren Heath Just as this magazine goes to print, the government announced further E: [email protected] • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, relaxing of the guidelines on live performances, essentially opening DISTRIBUTION Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit the door for outdoor performances. At Grapevine magazine we have Tree Martin: 01473 400380 noticed a trickle of live events begin to appear in our listings. E: [email protected] •  & The Creetings • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Some musicians rapidly packed their gear and headed out in search PRINTING Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton of a gig, others questioned the legality of it all but most, like us, read ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379 & Woolverstone E: [email protected] •  through the guidelines – as with everything in life, the devil is in the Disclaimer: • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton detail. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford In terms of the re-opening plan announced by culture secretary Oliver taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine & Stratford St Mary are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any Dowden on June 26, we are now at stage 3: Outdoor performances responsibility for errors or omissions. • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham with an audience. No one is forcing performers to perform or for While reasonable care is taken when accepting • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor audiences to turn up. It is perfectly OK to not get involved if you don’t will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory • Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone feel safe. transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to & Washbrook include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead But if you do, you should read the small print. If you are a musician or © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. • Westerfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham an actor you should read the government’s newly published guidance No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, St Martin & Witnesham document for performing arts, especially section 4 which covers without the prior written permission of the publisher. • Sproughton & Burstall keeping you safe at work. © In Touch with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham is published by Mansion We also publish Spotlight on House Publishing (UK) Ltd As an audience member, you should expect live music performances to be different from what you have been used to. For a start, you will Monday 10 August more than likely have to book in advance, numbers will be limited and is the advertising and social distancing rules will be in place. editorial deadline for For the latest news on what is happening in live entertainment across Printed on gloss paper from FSC certified sources Please recycle. the September edition , check out our website at: www.GrapevineLIVE.co.uk www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield 3 NEWS

COUNCILS’ BLUEPRINT FOR THE FUTURE GETS GREEN LIGHT

Cabinets at Babergh and District Councils have approved a raft • Continuing to work on Suffolk-wide initiatives with our partner of environmental measures to help the councils achieve their ambition of authorities through the Suffolk Climate Change Partnership and becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Suffolk Waste Partnership as well as with other business and academic organisations The proposals, developed by a cross-party Environment and Climate Change Task Force and approved at a simultaneous cabinet meeting on Monday 6 July, Cllr Elisabeth Malvisi, Council’s cabinet member for were welcomed in a joint statement from all political group leaders last year. environment, said: “These actions form the plan of how we will tackle This decision will now form the councils’ first Carbon Reduction Management the environment and climate change challenge here in Babergh, they Plan, setting out how they aim to fulfil their ambitions of becoming carbon demonstrate our commitment to working together with partners towards neutral within the next ten years. making Suffolk the greenest county. These are the first steps in achieving the long term objective to reduce the “Making sure our district remains a place we’re proud to call home, but also a councils’ current emissions of approximately 5,452 metric tonnes of carbon destination for tourists to visit is so important. Developing sustainable travel dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per year, looking into how best to invest in order at the heart of our town centres, and reducing the councils’ dependency on to reduce this to net zero. The plan follows the climate emergency motions fossil fuels are top priorities for us. passed by both councils in 2019 and the creation of the Joint Environment “We’re not starting from scratch – we already play a key role in several and Climate Change Task Force. environmental partnerships and initiatives including Tree for Life, the Suffolk In forming the proposals, the task force took expert advice on which areas Climate Change and Suffolk Waste Partnerships, and offering paperless billing to target first for the greatest impact – working with Groundwork Suffolk to to all our residents, but these proposals will help us take our next steps in analyse current emissions and develop recommendations. tackling climate change.” Headline actions include: Cllr Jessica Fleming, Mid Suffolk District Council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “I’m delighted we’ve approved our blueprint today, which • Exploring the use of the councils’ owned or controlled commercial is the outcome of cross-party collaboration at both councils to look at how estates, for renewable energy generation schemes, solar ports and we, along with Babergh, aim to meet our 2030 carbon neutral ambitions. battery storage “We recognise the influence and key role we play in tackling climate change • Working with the councils’ leisure providers to move towards both within the district and in Suffolk, but we cannot do it alone. We willbe green tariff energy, and the buildings becoming less energy intensive working with the Government to deliver its 25-year Environment Plan, and to operate make best use of the powers and resources available to local authorities to • Transitioning existing diesel-powered waste and fleet vehicles to a more achieve a truly sustainable future for the country. sustainable fuel source such as waste vegetable oil, with a longer term “We also want our residents to get involved, with everyone able to take at ambition with partners to introduce electric or hydrogen fuelled vehicles least small steps to becoming more environmentally conscious, such as only • Identifying further efficiencies and opportunities for waste collections in buying what you need, wasting less, and cycling and walking more.” line with the government’s anticipated Environment Bill The councils will continue to work with partners across the county and • Introducing an electric vehicle charging plan, cooperatively with region, including the LEP and public sector leaders, towards the Suffolk-wide our wider partners, to explore opportunities for expanding EV charging ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030. This work will include supporting infrastructure in the districts town and parish councils with their own aspirations to reduce their carbon emissions. • Actively encouraging a digital-first culture at the councils and exploring incentives to reduce staff mileage Residents are also being asked to reflect on how they can play their part in reducing Suffolk’s carbon footprint, whether it’s by reducing their food waste • Increasing tree and hedgerow planting and coverage across the district and waste in general, taking part in initiatives such as Refill Suffolk, or getting • Ensuring new and current council housing is as efficient and their recycling right; with a carbon footprint calculator available on the Green environmentally friendly as possible, whilst also working more Suffolk website. proactively with private housing developers to build sustainable A subgroup of the task force has also been created to look at how the councils communities can strengthen biodiversity in the districts – with work now underway • Working with partners to improve the infrastructure necessary to following an initial delay, due to the emergency response required by the increase sustainable travel in our key towns and beyond councils to support communities through the immediate impact of COVID-19.

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DR DAN POULTER MP REPORTS BACK Lockdown has given us all the opportunity to rethink how we live our lives and what we value most about living and working in Suffolk. I am incredibly proud of our rural heritage, the fantastic Suffolk countryside and the great community spirit which exists in all our towns and villages. HELMINGHAM PRIMARY As the COVID-19 restrictions start to ease, we must now turn our attention to protecting jobs and supporting our local economy as it slowly starts to SCHOOL AND NURSERY recover. As we move forwards, our shops and retailers here in Suffolk will There are places available in Nursery and all year need as much support as possible as they too begin to recover. groups for September 2020. It is more important than ever that we all take the opportunity to support Please call Kathy in the office on 01473 890267 our local food producers, independent retailers and high street shops and for more information or a tour of our lovely school. businesses, many of whom have gone to great lengths to innovate and adapt You can also see what our children are up to on our and are now ready and waiting to welcome customers once more. Facebook page: www.facebook.com/helming80 One positive which has come out of the COVID-19 pandemic is the benefits We look forward to seeing you! to our environment. With fewer cars and vehicles on the road, pollution has dropped and our air quality has improved. I am keen to see this trend continue and am about to begin co-chairing a new Ipswich Transport Taskforce, looking ARTS IN CELEBRATION at new and sustained methods of decongesting Ipswich and improving traffic A major new initiative from Ipswich Arts Association flow in and around out county town. I look forward to being able to further update you on this work in coming months. Ipswich Arts Association is delighted to announce Arts in Celebration, an online programme of arts and performance from across the region produced Another matter which I have focused on is the issue of food standards during this time of lockdown and social distancing and showcasing the talent and animal welfare. Contrary to media reports that UK food standards will that is within our communities. be lowered as part of future trade deals, I want to reassure you that the government will not compromise on our impeccably high standards of food Arts in Celebration will be available via Ipswich Arts Association’s website from production and animal welfare. The amendments which have been widely 27 September 2020 and will feature music from bands, choirs, ensembles and reported would consequently have created new trade barriers, potentially solo performances; drama and dance; poetry and the spoken word and the preventing the government from being able to agree fair and mutually visual arts. beneficial trade deals. Ipswich Arts Association Chairman Christopher Green said: “This is an exciting Here in Suffolk, and around the UK, we should be proud of our world-leading initiative which will showcase online local and regional talent and bring art food, health and animal welfare standards and we simply must not lower and performance to audiences deprived of such during this difficult time. Our our standards as we negotiate new trade deals. Any trade deal the UK strikes members and beyond are thrilled to be able to work on pieces and projects must be fair and reciprocal to our farmers and must not compromise on our which can be seen by the public through the medium of the internet.” high environmental protection, animal welfare and food safety standards. Adam Cable of Martlesham Brass, a member of Ipswich Arts Association I am therefore pleased that the government has, in principle, agreed to the said: “This has been an extraordinary time for the arts. Many of us who establishment of a Trade & Agriculture Commission. The commission will make art have felt a real absence of creativeness and coming together.Arts in ensure the importance of close engagement with the agricultural sector, Celebration gives us a focus to come together safely online and start creating which will help to inform, shape and guide our agricultural trade policy. music again. We are already working on a few pieces and can’t wait to get the performance seen.” This news has been welcomed by the NFU, with whom I regularly meet, and I will continue to fight for the best interests of our farmers here in Suffolk. www.ipswich-arts.org.uk

IPSWICH AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB STILL IN LOCKDOWN

In non-pandemic times, our regular monthly lunches would include a suspension of our lunches since February guest speaker, an irrepressible joke-teller, a reasonably priced bar and has saved our members some cash every a prize raffle. In July and August, we invite wives, partners or friends as month, we recently held a whip-round for guests. Although the lockdown appears to be easing, our activities are the FIND and Ipswich Outlook foodbanks, still suspended as our venue and caterers are still closed. Optimistically, which have been under a lot of extra we hope to invite our guests to our Christmas lunch if the virus has been pressure lately. So far, this particular controlled enough by then. initiative has raised in excess of £1,150. Founded in 1972, Ipswich and District Probus Club is one of the longer- We’re always looking to enrol new established UK clubs. Members are retired, or nearly so, chaps from members, either newly retired or simply all backgrounds: engineers, bank officials, teachers, builders and local needing a break from gardening and government officers, to name a few. It’s a club where men canget decorating. Once this pandemic is over, all together; some of us retirees miss the daily banter of the workplace, one men over 50 or so are welcome to arrange with our secretary to come to of the biggest challenges of retirement. one of our lunches and see for themselves who we are and what we do. The club endeavours to support the wider community. The photo shows To find out more about Probus, visit our website or contact club secretary, our chairman, Vic Gray presenting a cheque to Mrs Janet Dines, treasurer Malcolm Kemp: [email protected]/ 01473 289595 of the Ipswich Dementia Friendship Group, which is based in Henley and caters for local sufferers, their families and carers. Recently, as the www.ipswichprobus.org.uk

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www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield 7 OUT & ABOUT

IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY As with most clubs, Ipswich & District Philatelic Society hasn’t been able to hold in-person meetings for several months. As we use Cedarwood Primary School for the majority of our meetings, it could be some time before they resume. In the meantime, one of our members created a newsletter, with If you oversee, manage or lead volunteers, join and follow Community Action contributions from members, which has been sent to all members via email Suffolk’s new volunteering campaign. and posted on our website. Volunteering: the 20/20 vision, is a six-month programme for people who All the usual fairs, in-person auctions and national exhibitions, such as oversee, manage or lead volunteers. We have been asking ourselves, our Stampex, have also been cancelled. However, many of these have managed network, you and the wider voluntary sector, what's next for volunteering? to go online, with many members using this facility to keep up with the hobby Over the next six months we will reflect and share how 2020 has highlighted and using the precious time at home to catch up on neglected areas, such as new ways that the general public are engaging with volunteering. For many writing up displays or sorting through their boxes of forgotten stamps. years we have talked about the future of volunteering, what this could As previously mentioned, one area that is keen for philately is the national look like and how the public may want something different. COVID-19 has fair and exhibition known as Stampex. This is usually held twice a year at the shown us the future of volunteering is now here! Each month there will be Business Design Centre in London, and while both the spring and autumn a spotlight on a different theme inspiring us to think differently: Innovation, Stampex have been cancelled they are holding a virtual Stampex online from Community, 5 Ways to Wellbeing, Local Businesses, Suffolk Action Week, 1-3 October. For more information visit: www.stampexinternational.co.uk Trustees and 2021. Philately is a great indoor hobby so most collectors have been quite busy Questions we will ask: over the last few months. It’s also great to get children involved and there’s What can we learn from the public’s response to volunteering? a special organisation to help do just that. Stamp Active has a vast amount How can we keep the profile of volunteering high beyond Covid-19? of information to help you and your children get collecting. Find out more at: Do we risk volunteer fatigue for 2021? www.stampactive.co.uk How are our existing volunteers feeling? How can we support this social action to continue? If you receive this magazine, are interested in stamp collection or other aspects of philately, such as postal history, please visit our website for more Support we will offer: information: www.ipswichphilatelic.uk One-to-one surgeries Network meetings Case studies and blogs Resources Volunteer recruitment Our vision is a campaign and programme that will reach everyone who support, manage and lead volunteers in Suffolk. Together we can share ideas, inspire, support each other and continue to engage the public with volunteering through and beyond COVID-19. ASHBOCKING, SWILLAND Join the CAS network to find out more: & WITNESHAM WI www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/join-our-network We’re not planning to have our usual meeting at the village hall on 12 August and will look forward to hearing David Murton give his talk on the night sky some time in 2021. We will certainly have much catching up to do when we are able to meet up again, including testing out the new sound absorbing panels which have been fitted at Witnesham Village Hall to improve the acoustics. DEMENTIA TOGETHER Meantime, staff continue to work at Suffolk East Federation in Ipswich, CALL FREE 08081 688 000 sending out the monthly magazine online and other snippets of information. Email: [email protected] Visit: www.dementia-together.com

8 In Touch online: www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield 9 10 In Touch online: ON THE GRAPEVINE

#SUFFOLKGIRLSCAN – KEEP CALM & CARRY ON GUIDING Do you know your ‘hashtag’ from your ‘tag’? Have you had to ‘break out’ during a Zoom meeting with up to 29 young women aged 10- 14 whilst remaining in your own living room? For the past three months, this is what Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers and their volunteer leaders across Suffolk have learned to do as Guiding has gone online. Suffolk Libraries is launching a new perinatal support service aimed at Overnight from the 16th March, hundreds of pregnant women and new parents in Ipswich and East Suffolk. Girlguiding Suffolk volunteers adapted the way Me, Myself and Baby is an exciting new partnership between Suffolk Libraries, they hold and run their unit meetings. A leader nd Suffolk Mind, Children’s Centres, Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust from 2 Woodbridge (St Mary’s) Guides hadn’t rd and Get Me Out of These Four Walls. used Facebook before 23 March this year, but from tentative beginnings, she is now holding Maternal mental illness affects up to 20% of women and covers a wide weekly Zoom meetings. This is reflected in all range of conditions. If left untreated, it can have significant and long-lasting the sectional age groups within the county. effects for women and their families. The aim of the project is to help reduce 1st Rainbows (5-7 years) have posted isolation and improve emotional wellbeing for new parents a weekly activity and song in their Facebook The project is being funded by Suffolk Community Foundation through group, and 3rd Britannia Rainbows (Ipswich) Realising Ambitions – East. Suffolk Libraries’ Mental Health and Wellbeing have been making sundials. 4th service successfully bid for funding earlier in the year. The aim was originally Brownies (7-10 years) have been working to set up a range of library-based groups but the COVID-19 situation has towards loads of different badges, as have 2nd meant the initial focus will be on supporting people remotely and online. Beccles Brownies, who held an Easter-themed family bingo night online. Two members of 1st The four key areas of the project will be: Beccles Brownies have now gained all 18 of the • An email support service for mums and dads struggling with their Brownie interest badges. wellbeing. A safe and confidential place to write down thoughts Guides (10-14 years) in Felixstowe, Ipswich, and feelings and receive help, guidance and information. Anyone Beccles and Martlesham have enjoyed Zoom affected can email [email protected] for help. meetings and recorded instruction videos to • Telephone counselling will be available for parents who contact the complete official badges. They have also taken email address but require additional support. A referral can be made part in quizzes and scavenger hunts, made for eight free 50-minute sessions of telephone counselling, provided by mug cakes and armpit fudge, as well as traditional activities like knotting, Suffolk Mind. semaphore, blitz cooking and community action projects. • Stay at Home and Play will provide play ideas for babies and toddlers. Rangers (14-18 years) have also been powering through badges, many of Parents can access videos with examples via Suffolk Libraries’ You Tube whom should have been taking GCSEs and A Levels. Hopefully for them, and channel. Activities are free or low cost, giving ideas on how to use younger members too, Guiding going has provided a safe and friendly space everyday items in the home to create fun and nurturing invitations every week, a bit of normalcy in these strange times. to play. Since April there have even been some national and international virtual • Peer support mums and dads who contact the Me, Myself and Baby events offered; an Adventures At Home Festival by Girlguiding UK, a global service will be invited to online coffee mornings. These will offer a campfire by WAGGGS (The World Association of Girl Guides & Girl Scouts), relaxed and informal opportunity to meet people in a similar situation, and a Midsummer Sleepover from Girlguiding Anglia Region. Many members share experiences and chat. camped out, made smores and sat around a campfire, all activities that they would be accustomed to doing at this time of year. A new Perinatal Mental Health Project Assistant, Ruth Sparshott has also recently joined Suffolk Libraries to coordinate the project. From bushcraft to blogging, gardening to geocaching, Girlguiding Suffolk is still connecting with its members by letter, email, Facebook or Zoom. Sarah Lungley, Suffolk Libraries Wellbeing Manager, said: “We are thrilled A leader with 1st Tostock Rainbows has had some lovely feedback from to finally be able to launch Me, Myself and Baby. Despite the challenges parents including: “My daughter always asks when it’s Wednesday? She looks presented to us during this difficult time, we have worked hard alongside forward to her Rainbow zoom every week”; “Thank you so much for all the partners to develop and adapt our offer. Whilst the service may not be how support and activities you provide for the girls. It keeps them going when we had initially planned, we hope we will still be able to connect with and schoolwork isn’t happening and has given them the opportunity to learn help support many parents and carers in Ipswich and East Suffolk. throughout this time.” “Perinatal mental health is hugely important, but is a part of mental health Girlguiding Suffolk would like to thank all its volunteers for everything they still not talked about and surrounded by stigma. It’s especially important have done during the current situation, however small. In the words of our at this time, that mums and families know there is support out there. As a county song, rewritten for us by ABBA: library service, we have a long history of supporting new parents and we feel “We are Guides, we’re pioneering, this project, working alongside expert partners, only helps strengthen this. Sharing every adventure, The Way Old Friends Do” Whether it is the middle of the night when the baby is awake, or at the end Copyright Ulvaeus/Andersson, Universal Music Ltd of a long day caring for a newborn child whilst home schooling, the message is the same – ‘you are not alone’.” #StaySafe Everyone For more information about joining as a member or becoming a volunteer, The Me, Myself and Baby project is available to pregnant women and parents please contact us via: www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested of children under five in the Ipswich and East Suffolk Area. Anyone who would like to receive more information or is interested in accessing the service can Pictued from the top: 1st Melton Brownies Odd Sox UMA; Girlguiding email: [email protected] Martlesham Guides orchard watering; 1st Beccles Brownies YL sleepover www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield 11 SCHOOLS / CHURCH NEWS

WITNESHAM BAPTIST CHURCH Lockdown restrictions were eased greatly at the beginning of July, with not just shops opening up but also pubs and restaurants and other social gathering spaces where sensible social distancing and hygiene could be maintained. The early signs were that people were being sensible and thoughtful towards HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL each other, though there will always be a few inconsiderate folk who unfortunately spoil it for others! We have been able to have closer contact Our term starts on Thursday 3 September and we look forward to with our grandchildren, which is a joy. seeing you all. We do have spaces so if you are thinking of sending your child, please get in touch. We are a small, friendly, rural setting based At the beginning of July the government stated that places of worship could at Henley Community Centre. We pride ourselves on the high ratio of reopen within guidelines. This is a double edge sword in many ways. Christians staff to children ratios and the provision of maximum care and learning enjoy and benefit from communal gathering to worship God, sing hymns, for the children. Our highly trained staff contnue regular training to pray aloud together and generally encourage each other in our daily walk of build their knowledge further. We provide an extensive range of faith. However, the leadership of church fellowships also have a responsibility resources and activities to suit all ages and abilities, ensuring all levels for the overall well-being of members and attendees. of development and play within the EYFS are explored. As pastor/teacher, I have responsibility for spiritual well-being. Alongside other leaders, our responsibility includes physical, emotional and mental HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT well-being. Through services on our YouTube channel, the spiritual side is at Happy, creative, secure and fun environment least partially fulfilled and while we keep in touch with folk by phone and distance visiting, we are able to help in other areas as well. Enable all children to develop their capabilities as successful learners and confident individuals So, where is this leading? Nurturing relationships with staff and children and providing Well, given our responsibilities, we have agreed that it is unwise and strong relationships to work together with parents and carers impractical to re-open Witnesham Baptist Church at this time because we while celebrating inclusion and diversity can’t accommodate folk safely and hygienically enough to meet guidelines. Public singing inside and close to others would not be safe, and we don’t have Learning through play and exploration with qualified staff the facilities for deep cleaning before, during and after services. It would even who extend their learning further be difficult to have a one-way system! Engaging opportunities for best quality learning, being valued When we will reopen will very much depend on how COVID-19 is controlled, and listened to, reflecting in making the right choices and so watch this space! being kind to others However, if as reader of these notes would like to speak with me of for us to Young children thrive in our small, rural pre-school where everyone pray together, please contact me and I’ll willingly come and visit you. For now, is welcomed, friendly, respectful and supportive in a place we can follow the links below for spiritual well-being: grow and learn together www.youtube.com/channel/UCfpK-FkQHhONTRkyhYassxw Application forms can be downloaded from our website, or you can www.witneshambaptist.org.uk email the pre-school for further information. We accept eligible 30- hour funded children; the codes must be in place the term before they Pastor Andrew: 07851 060482 are needed. We also accept Tax Free Childcare. Children can join us from the age of two; we accept government funded and fee paying children .We are open term time only from 9am-3pm. Our well-supported Facebook page and website provide lots of There is a collection box for FIND (Families in Need) in the conservatory information and you can see what the children have been doing. It is which can be used for donations when the Post Office is open. also another way to contact the setting directly. Non-perishable food is very welcome. Thank you For further information please call 07979 468467 or email our manager Unfortunately, the Salvation Army clothes bank is temporarily Bridget Wyatt: [email protected]. closed as it is not being emptied. Bridget, Sarah and Kerry The post office is available in the conservatory on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings. Please use this service to help keep it in the village.

12 In Touch online: CHURCH NEWS

 The United Benefice of Westerfield and  with Witnesham In Touch with WTW The United Benefice of Westerfield and In Touch with WTW Tuddenham St Martin with Witnesham At this time of year, we would that we are used to, to be held in normallyAt this timebe in ofthe year, midst we of wouldthe thethat nearwe are future. used to, Early to indicationsbe held in Getting in touch... Annualnormally Church be in Fetesthe midst with of much the arethe that near there future. will be Early no singing, indications no GettingWe haven’t got anin ordainedtouch... minister preparationAnnual Church going Fetes on, with both much in the useare that of there returnable will be books,no singing, social no Weat the haven moment,’t got anbut ordained you can contact:minister  kitchens,preparation as going well on, as both in thein the distancinguse of returnable between family books, groups social atReaders: the moment, but you can contact: greenhouseskitchens, as wellthroughout as in our the willdistancing be 1+ between metre family and groups Holy Readers:Paul Laughlin  01473 785138 villages!greenhouses Sadly, Covid throughoutͲ19 has seen our Communionwill be 1+ will metre be bread and only. Holy Of Paul Laughlin  [email protected] 785138  anvillages! end to Sadly, these plans Covid Ͳ and19 has thus seen we importanceCommunion to will us be as bread a benefice, only. Of Carol Rivett  [email protected] 717404  willan endall miss to thesethe carnival plans andatmosphere thus we duringimportance our interregnum, to us as a is benefice, the yet Carol Rivett  [email protected] 717404  ofwill a localall miss family the carnivalday out, atmosphere which also unansweredduring our interregnum,question as to is thewhether yet Elder  [email protected] providedof a local family muchͲ neededday out, which funds also to clergyunanswered aged 70+question will be as allowedto whether to ElderJulia Farmer  01473 785497   [email protected] maintainprovided our much 3 churches.Ͳneeded Like funds most to officiate!clergy aged 70+ will be allowed to Julia Farmer 01473 785497   [email protected] charitiesmaintain caught our 3 churches.up in this Likepandemic, most Keepofficiate! a  lookͲout for upͲtoͲdate Churchwardens: Churchwardens: thischarities loss ofcaught revenue up in willthis neverpandemic, be informationKeep a lookͲ out on for our upͲto Ͳdate website: Tuddenham  Jim Bird Tuddenham01473 785024   [email protected] Bird  replacedthis loss of and,revenue whilstwill never notbe wtandw.org.ukinformation on our website: 01473Tuddenham 785024  [email protected] Pipe  replaced and, whilst not wtandw.org.uk catastrophic in the short term, will Tuddenham01473 784545 [email protected] Pipe  catastrophic in the short term, will In the meantime, all our churches be sorely missed over the coming 01473Westerfield 784545 [email protected] Northfield  In the meantime, all our churches years.be sorely  missed over the coming are open for private prayer, Westerfield01473 230188 [email protected] Northfield  are open for private prayer, Additionally,years.  in a novel attempt to meditation and reflection so do 01473Westerfield 230188 [email protected] Scholey  raiseAdditionally, funds for in both a novel the church attempt as to comemeditation along. Times and reflection of opening are so do Westerfield01473 713285 [email protected] Scholey  wellraise as funds for St for Elizabeth both the Hospice, church as a listedcome below. along. Times of opening are 01473Witnesham 713285 [email protected] Austin  numberwell as forof villagers St Elizabeth in Tuddenham Hospice, a listed below. Witnesham01473 785673 [email protected] Austin  hadnumber joined of together villagers in to Tuddenham open their  01473Witnesham 785673 [email protected] Cook  gardenshad joined to the together public toat the open end their of The further easing of the lockdown Witnesham01473 213959 Karen @wtandw.org.ukCook  01473 213959 [email protected] June.gardens This to wouldthe public have at thetaken end the of enablesThe further us to easing renew of our the search lockdown for a Website: www.wtandw.org.uk formJune. of This a walking would trail have around taken the the partenablesͲtime us to ministerrenew our to search lead for a our Website: www.wtandw.org.uk villageform of with a walking refreshments trail around served the in churchespartͲtime in minister their growthto lead and our thevillage Village with Hall! refreshments Whilst this served too has in ministrychurches in in the their coming growth years. We, and hadthe toVillage be cancelled, Hall! Whilst it is thishoped too that has togetherministry in with the coming some years. of We, the thehad to same be cancelled, villagers it might is hoped like that to applicants,together had with felt somethe time of was thenot applicants, had felt the time was not ‘thevolunteer same’ again villagers in the might future like….! to right to consider such an important right to consider such an important ‘volunteer’ again in the future….! matter especially if it meant matter especially if it meant   interviews conducted remotely. I interviews conducted remotely. I By the time you read this edition of am delighted to say that the WEDDINGS am delighted to say that the WEDDINGS InBy Touch, the time the youfurther read easingthis edition of the of position has attracted much highͲ In Touch, the further easing of the calibreposition interest has andattracted we hope much to highͲ Now up lockdown, due July 4th, will have calibre interest and we hope to Now up comelockdown, in to due play July and 4th, theoretically, will have conduct faceͲtoͲface interviews in to 30 come in to play and theoretically, conduct faceͲtoͲface interviews in Churches will then be allowed to reͲ July. to 30 Churches will then be allowed to reͲ July. Guests!! open for worship. However, the full  Guests!! open for worship. However, the full  CV19 detail has yet to be published and JB CV19 detail has yet to be published and JB there is much uncertainty over there is much uncertainty over whether what is going to be Our Own Sunday Service at Home: whether what is going to be Our Own Sunday Service at Home: permitted will allow the services WTW Benefice YouTube channel permitted will allow the services WTW Benefice YouTube channel

TimesTimes OfOf ChurchChurch Openings For Individual Prayer*

WitneshamWitnesham Westerfield Tuddenham  Sundays 10 to 12 Noon Sundays 9 to 11 am SaturdaysSaturdays 1010 amam toto 1212 NoonNoon Sundays 10 to 12 Noon Sundays 9 to 11 am Thursdays 12 Noon to 1 pm  Thursdays 12 Noon to 1 pm

*Please*Please CheckCheck OurOur WebsiteWebsite www.wtandw.org.ukwww.wtandw.org.uk as the patterns may change. www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield 13 ON THE GRAPEVINE

COMBINE ONLINE AND OFFLINE MARKETING By Daren Stainton, Sales Manager at Mansion House Publishing I have been working in advertising and marketing for many years in all sectors. The opportunities created by new technologies have A PLANT LOVER’S PARADISE transformed the sector (and continue to do so) but from working client/agency side to working for the providers of some of the best print, outdoor and digital media, it has been particularly fascinating to see how budget allocation has changed. When the internet first came along and even up until quite recently, people tended to regard it as something they may need on the side. You had an advert in the Yellow Pages. Then you purchased a website as everyone was getting one and then considered how to get traffic/ visitors to your website. This will no longer solve all your marketing problems or your approach to a solid marketing strategy. You must integrate digital and print knowing that your customers are using both when making buying or purchasing decisions. As a business, you may think you need to change everything you are doing as more people are using online platforms. Perhaps you’re even looking to online selling, using pay-per-click, Facebook ads and other monetised digital platforms, to save your business. Here’s the secret! Some of your wanted and desired audience, your At Suffolk Plant Centre at , Nr , you’ll find a new customers are in other places. It doesn’t matter how good you are fantastic and varied range of great value plants, from the expected to at online marketing, or how many great emails you send, you won’t the exotically unusual. You’ll also find a highly experienced team who maximise your return on investment of time or money unless you are always available to assist you in selecting the perfect plant. combine it with additional offline marketing. Suffolk Plant Centre has been trading for just over four years, though The smart and most successful marketing agents and companies the onsite nursery has existed for much longer. It now employs three combine online with offline marketing. Offline marketing is abroad full time staff and one or two temporary staff in peak times. Harriet spectrum, including everything from brochures, business cards and (pictured right) manages the shop and the advertising, Bella (left) is direct mail to advertising in printed community magazines, local front of house and retail supervisor and Kevin (centre) looks after the business directories and getting on the phone to call people. watering and is the forklift driver! All three are passionate about the There are two principals to combining online and offline marketing. centre, and about plants, and work together to give customers the The first is to use offline media to get people online. You put ads in best experience possible. newspapers and magazines and direct them to your website or social The centre provided a delivery service between March and May, using channels. You can then convert these to fans of your social or direct social media to let customers know what was in stock. Now the centre leads from your website. is open again with social distancing measures in place and extra staff to The other thing you want to do is get the online people offline. Getting manage the one way system and provide a reassuring smile on arrival. names, email addresses or contact details enables you to introduce “Our customers always receive a smile and a warm welcome but it’s your service or product directly or to make an appointment to explain more important than ever right now and we want every customer to what you do. feel relaxed and to enjoy their time with us,” says Harriet. “The shop The more you can integrate these approaches, the more you will is always full of vibrant colours, which creates a positive, calming find that your leads and sales increase. As you discover the type of atmosphere, but nothing beats a smile and a warm welcome.” customer you want, this will become easier. The centre has been busy since it reopened with lots of new customers Talk to our team of consultants and discover how we can help you to in addition to well-loved regulars. plan your marketing with Mansion House Group. “Demand is especially high at the moment as people are spending more time at home. Gardening has become very trendy and in addition to great plants, we can offer advice and help new gardeners choose the best plans for their space, however large or small.” Harriet has considered writing a gardening blog but she knows customers like to visit for both inspiration and advice. “We offer a personal shopping experience. We’re very happy to chat to our customers who enjoy spending time amongst the plants and flowers. I’m often told a visit to Suffolk Plant Centre is mood enhancing, which doesn’t surprise me in the least. I’m at my happiest when I’m in the thick of it and it’s always a joy to see customers enjoying their time with us.” Suffolk Plant Centre is open seven days a week, Monday to Saturday from 9am to5pm and on Sunday from 10am to 4pm. For more information visit: www.suffolkplantcentre.co.uk

14 In Touch online: ON THE GRAPEVINE

Playday is the national day for play! It’s traditionally held on the first for their health, well-being and development. It also is a chance to show Wednesday in August, and this year it takes place on August 5. the government and decision-makers that cutting local play services will have devastating effects on children, families and whole communities. It is the biggest play sector event in the UK. As well as a celebration of children’s right to play, it’s a campaign that highlights the importance of Typically, to celebrate Playday, we ask that children, young people and play in children’s lives; as coordinated by Play England, in partnership communities get out and play at hundreds of community events across with Play Wales, Play Scotland and PlayBoard Northern Ireland. the UK. Be it through a range of events, from street parties, festivals in It all began in 1986, when rumours of cuts on school-based play centres parks or village greens to mass adventures in woodlands, fields, even and adventure playgrounds in London surfaced. In response, a group of beaches, and public events at community venues. From small-scale playworkers decided to see what they could do. Not many turned up, but events to thousands of children taking part in events organised in parks undeterred; Mick Conway, Paul Bonel and Kim Holdaway put their heads and open spaces – Playday is celebrated by each community in a way together and came up with the notion of having a day for play. that suits them. Their initial aims were to raise the profile of play and alert people locally However, unfortunately due to current government guidance about social to the potential loss of children’s play services. They had no idea that gatherings and physical distancing, they are not asking you to organise it would become anything more than an inner London campaign to public Playday events and will not be accepting event registrations. persuade boroughs to continue to support playgrounds and play centres. Instead this year, they are encouraging families to celebrate children’s right to play at home. Something I’m sure many have become used to From just a couple of events in 1987, Playday grew to around a dozen in anyway, but why not use this day to go bigger and better than other days. London by 1989, went national in 1991 and is now the biggest celebration Some ideas could be to plan a day of play, create an ‘at home’ adventure of children’s play in the UK, if not Europe. Last year communities across day, or maybe encourage some socially distant interaction with friends the UK celebrated Playday at more than 850 events. (this is where zoom could come in handy!). Thirty years later, Playday provides an opportunity for the play sector to You often don’t need much to still have a good and playful time. raise awareness about the importance of play in children’s lives and show why play is fundamental for children’s enjoyment of childhood, and vital For more information or resources visit: www.playday.org.uk

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 www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield 15