Volume 11 • Issue No. 3 • FEBRUARY 2021 Your free local community magazine: essential local news, services & information delivered through your door every month Capel Capers™©

In Touch with Capel St Mary www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk

Get to know your Parish Councillors See page 6 A special treat from Capel Ladies Club See page 13

THANKS TO THE NHS AND ALL OUR KEY WORKERS HERE’S TO MOVING FORWARD IN 2021

Residential sales Residential lettings 01473 310907 Property management www.upstix.biz www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/capelcapers 1 2 In Touch online: Published by: A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, IP1 4JP We find ourselves living in lockdown once more and the threat is a little closer to home this time round. For the first time since the pandemic started, I fear one of our magazines will be delivered to a home where someone has lost EDITOR: Sharon Jenkins their life to Covid-19 or maybe knows someone who has. I hope it’s not the case but if you have been bereaved or T: 01473 400380 are separated from a loved one who is ill, our hearts go out to you and your family. Send editorial copy to: For so long we have felt safe when other parts of the country have seen case numbers spike. Now we’re told to [email protected] assume that we may unknowingly carry the virus and infect others, even though we remain asymptomatic. It’s a Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the terrifying and primitive notion but perfectly straightforward too: assume the worst and act accordingly. It’s not right to amend such submissions and cannot accept forever and this really is a life and death situation. responsibility for any loss. Thankfully, support systems are in place to help us get through this and those listed below may be a useful place ADVERTISING T: 01473 400380 to start. A more extensive directory of organisations offering guidance is available on our website. Of course, there E: [email protected] are local support hubs too; you simply have to ask. DISTRIBUTION I realise I’m sending mixed messages here. I want everyone to be nervous of the virus but we really don’t need to Tree Martin: 01473 400380 worry about how we get through this, not when we know our friends, neighbours, local businesses, community E: [email protected] groups and others will be there for us if we need them. PRINTING Who could have predicted the ways in which our local businesses would respond? Many introduced delivery ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379 services while others changed their business model entirely. , cafes and restaurants turned into takeaways E: [email protected] and staff at DIY shops became telephone consultants. Somehow, Chris at my local hardware shop worked out what Disclaimer: I needed when I told him the ‘pipe thingy’ at the end of the ‘twisty thing’ was broken. He even went in on a Sunday The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is morning to get it for me and that’s why he’s going to be my go-to guy from now on! taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any Finding out who is open is getting easier too. Obviously, this magazine provide a head start but there are several responsibility for errors or omissions. online directories, including our own at www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/directory, where it’s easy to find what you While reasonable care is taken when accepting need and where businesses can have a free listing. If you do need help to promote your business, sign up today and advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ give us a call to discuss what we can do to help. editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the Those who have lost jobs over the course of the last year will be hard hit by this new lockdown and this obviously right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any affects entire families who find themselves struggling to make ends meet through no fault of their own. Foodbanks written complaints. experienced an unprecedented surge in demand last year and this is likely to continue. Those of us who get to © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. supermarkets can pop items in food bins but did you know you can donate online too? If you’re serious about No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly helping, consider supporting your local foodbank, The Salvation Army, Families in Need or any one of the multiple or in part, without the prior written permission of charities working tirelessly to support the most vulnerable members of our society. the publisher. © In Touch with & Stowupland is I am in awe of those working on the frontline who must be utterly exhausted at this point. The best way to show published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd our respect for them right now is to adhere to the guidelines. To do otherwise potentially puts more pressure on a service which is already breaking at the seams. Stay at home. Stay Safe. Protect the NHS. Ask for help if you need it and give it if you can.

Printed on gloss paper from FSC certified sources HEALTH, WELLBEING AND SAFETY DIRECTORY Please recycle. IN TOUCH TITLES • Covid-19 vaccination website with a wealth of information about the vaccination programme: • Stowmarket & Stowupland www.sneevaccine.org.uk • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Latest information on coronavirus: www.gov.uk/coronavirus • Melton & Woodbridge • NHS information on coronavirus: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19 • Manningtree, , Lawford & Mistley • Suffolk Resilience Covid-19 Resource Centre: www.suffolkresilience.com/covid-19/covid-19-resource-centre • Hadleigh, , , • Useful Suffolk County Council inks to services including Home, But But Alone, Single Point Access, Holton St Mary, & benefits and housing, food banks, Suffolk InfoLink and The Warm Handover: • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath www.suffolk.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/suffolk-advice-and-support-service • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, • Suffolk County Council Support in your Area: Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden www.suffolk.gov.uk/care-and-support-for-adults/keep-well-and-active/find-support-in-your-area & Woolpit • Suffolk Family Carers:Working together to ensure family carers are visible, valued, supported and connected •  & The Creetings – Covid-19 information, guidance and support. https://suffolkfamilycarers.org/covid-19 • Shotley, , , , • Home-Start in Suffolk: Helpful links for families and volunteers. www.homestartinsuffolk.org/supportforfamilies Holbrook, , Stutton & • Martlesham • Anxiety UK: Offers a range of useful information, resources and support for helping you understand how to deal • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton with your anxiety during these difficult times. www.anxietyuk.org.uk/coronanxiety-support-resources • , Dedham, • Lighthouse Women’s Aid: A charitable organisation providing emotional support to women, young people & Stratford St Mary and children experiencing domestic abuse in their personal or family relationships: http://lighthousewa.org.uk • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Samaritans: Call 116 123 for free / www.samaritans.org • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) • Respect advice line: The helpline for male victims of domestic abuse. https://mensadviceline.org.uk • Copdock, , Bentley, & • Childline: Call 0800 1111 / www.childline.org.uk • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead We’ve posted a more comprehensive downloadable directory online at: www.keepingintouch.co.uk • Westerfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham •  & Burstall KEEPING IN TOUCH We also publish Spotlight on keepingintouchwith.co.uk / spotlightmagazine.co.uk / vanilla-magazine.co.uk Wed 10 February Twitter: @InTouchEast / @vanillamagazine is the advertising and Instagram: @mansionhousepublishing / @vanilla.magazine editorial deadline for Facebook: @mansionhousepublishing / @vanillamagazinesuffolk the March edition www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/capelcapers 3 NEWS

CAPEL ST MARY PARISH COUNCIL

Report from the parish council meeting held on Monday 11 January. GET TO KNOW YOUR PARISH COUNCILLORS Present were Councillors Bishop, Bonfield, Cowgill, Dimond, Fenn, Harris, Councillor Stephanie Bonfield Hole, Matthews, O’Galligan, Rogers (chairman), Ross, Thomas, Weaver, County Councillor Jones, District Councillor Carpendale and Julie Lawes Where were you born? Ipswich Hospital (the parish council clerk). How long have you lived in the village? The parish council recommended approval to Council 16 years, I grew up In and moved to for planning applications: 20 Bushey Close – Conversion of car port and Wenham when I was 16. My father grew up in new roof to garage to provide additional living accommodation; 14 Days Bentley and has many family members from the Green – Erection of a two-storey side extension and single-storey rear village and surrounding villages. We moved back extension. to his place of birth once I had finished my high school education. I then moved to Capel with Persimmon Homes are still in negotiations with the landowner. Once my now husband in 2004. complete, development will commence without delay. How long have you been a parish councillor? Since July 2020. The East Bergholt Surgery has been approved as a hub to administer Covid-19 vaccinations with this to commence immediately. What made you want to become a parish councillor? A want to make our community stay the wonderful place it currently is and The annual parish meeting is to take place Wednesday 24 March at the realisation that the village needs representation of all demographics. 7.30pm by Zoom. This is a meeting at which all residents are invited to hear reports from your Parish Council Chairman Brian Rogers, County What do you like most about Capel St Mary? Councillor Gordon Jones and District Councillor Sue Carpendale. Capel St Mary is a wonderful place to raise a family and in recent times has seen its community togetherness grow immensely. I am most The budget was agreed for the coming financial year with no increase in importantly in awe of its diverse character and how when needed it the Capel St Mary Parish Council section of the Council Tax. comes together for all. Accounts were approved and presented for signing. What changes, if any, would you like to see within the village? Julie Lawes Improvement in parks/play equipment, the elimination of dog fouling issues, village growth on a safe scale and full community engagement. The next meeting of Capel St Mary Parish Council will be a virtual meeting via Zoom on Monday 8 February. What is/was your job? There is an open session at each meeting when members of the public I am a team manager for the East of CO-OP, based in the village. may speak. What are your interests or hobbies? The actual minutes of the meeting are available for viewing at the parish In my limited spare time, I am chair of The Villager if the Year Trust, council office at 27a The Street, Capel St Mary, which is open on Tuesdays a member of the War Memorial Trust and on of Capel Community from 10am to noon and from 1-3pm on Fridays. Association committee. The parish clerk can be contacted on 01473 314103 during these times. I also take on walking challenges and have recently finished Lands End An answerphone operates outside these hours and messages are picked to John O’Groats. Next, I plan to challenge the Camino de Santiago, from up every day. Alternatively, contact can be made by email to: France to Spain. I love spending time with my family and walking our [email protected] beloved dog on the various routes around the village.

www.capelstmary.onesuffolk.net

ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE With the cancellation of last year’s Capel Funday, donated items will be used this year (fingers crossed) though consumables having been passed on to the hospice for use by patients and staff. Thank you for your support. Linda Morrison, Hospice Rep for Capel St Mary

DOVE CLOSE We would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you all as soon as possible.

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MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE LAUNCHES THE SKILLS KITCHEN The Museum of East Anglian Life is excited to announce the launch of a new training programme, The Skills Kitchen, which will introduce participants to the wide variety of work and roles that exist within the food industry and GO AHEAD FOR support them to take their next steps into training or work. EMISSION-CUTTING FUEL PLANS Over the course of four months, learners will take part in weekly training sessions at the museum which explore the range of skills needed in different Babergh and District Councils will cut their fleet’s carbon areas of the sector. Throughout the programme there will be ‘expert’ talks emissions by up to 90% – supporting the councils’ carbon neutral aims. and local site visits where participants will listen to and meet professionals The move follows approval by both council cabinets to switch their who have careers in the Suffolk food industry. They will gain insight into the vehicle fleet to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). different paths available to follow and the skills needed for the work that they do. Changes form a major step in the councils’ Carbon Reduction Management Plan which sets out how net-zero carbon emissions aim During the programme participants will learn how to cook food from a range to be achieved by 2030. of cultures and cuisines whilst at the same time building their own portfolio of transferable skills. Each learner will also be allocated a mentor for the Both councils will see a significant reduction in pollutant emissions duration of the programme who will support them with career advice and from their fleet, including up to a 90% reduction in CO2. Itwill assist with articulating future goals. There will also be focused sessions on also support a circular economy as the HVO fuel is produced from the abilities needed to work in a business as well as team activities aimed at sustainable feedstock, including waste cooking oil. building interpersonal and communication skills. Currently, the councils’ vehicle fleet represents 26% of total CO2 The Skills Kitchen will culminate in learners working together to plan, emissions, approximately 880 tonnes per year. market and deliver a series of different cuisine themed events at the The fleet includes the councils’ 35 waste lorries, as well as some museum. Participants will be able to put into practice the skills and knowledge vehicles used by the public realm and housing services. they have learnt over the programme and celebrate their achievements. Moving to the new fuel will cost an initial £50k per council for new fuel The programme starts in April 2021, although participants must be enrolled tanks. A further estimated £56-97k per year, per council, over the next by Friday 26 February 2021. The commitment for those taking part is three years, will cover fuel costs. approximately one day per week. There are no fees attached to taking part. Assistance may be available with travel costs and/or childcare if needed. However, by using HVO, lower maintenance costs and longer engine life for the vehicles are expected. The programme is funded by The European Social Fund and granted by Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils. It is for people aged 16 or over who are Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) money collected from new not currently in education/training and who are unemployed or economically development is anticipated to cover most of the initial cost of the two inactive and live in Suffolk or Norfolk. They must also have permission to live HVO tanks. These will be located at the councils’ depots in Stowmarket in the UK and to work in an EU country. and Sudbury. The Museum of East Anglian Life, an open-air museum located in Stowmarket, Cllr Elisabeth Malvisi, Cabinet Member for Environment at Babergh is an independent educational charity. We tell stories through historic District Council, said: “This is a major step forward in achieving the buildings, a 75-acre estate, animals, gardens and a collection of 40,000 ambitions set out in our Carbon Reduction Management Plan. Our objects. Through our collection, we seek to engage people with where their fleet enables us to carry out some of our most visible work such as food comes from and how it is consumed. In hosting the Skills Kitchen at collecting your bin, but it also makes up just over a quarter ofour the museum, we have an opportunity to share our specialist knowledge and emissions. With HVO fuel we can quickly and significantly reduce our provide a better understanding of food production and food culture. emissions and work towards Babergh’s greener, brighter and healthy “We are looking forward to working with participants on the Skills Kitchen future.” project and creating opportunities for their ongoing development within HVO fuel provides an almost immediate and efficient way to reduce the food industry in Suffolk,” says Jenny Cousins, Director, Museum of East emissions. This is because, aside from slightly increased fuel costs and Anglian Life. new tanks, the transition from traditional diesel fuel to HVO requires If you or someone you know is interested in taking part in this programme, minimal changes to the councils’ existing fleet. please email [email protected] or call 01449 612229 for an Cllr Jessica Fleming, Cabinet Member for Environment at Mid Suffolk informal chat and details of the application process. District Council, said: “Helping to create bright and healthy futures for Alternatively, more information about the programme is at: the next generation, while protecting the environment, is one of our www.eastanglianlife.org.uk/theskillskitchen most important jobs. The Skills Kitchen Schedule/Key Dates: “This move to a greener and cleaner fuel for our fleet will bring us Application deadline: 31 January 2021 significantly closer to achieving our commitment to being net-zero Follow up interviews to be arranged on an individual basis. carbon by 2030. We know we can’t create a cleaner and healthier Programme Induction Date: Monday 12 April environment on our own. However, we hope by setting an example, Programme Start Date: Friday 16 April others will be encouraged to follow.” Programme End Date: Friday 30 July Formal procurement of a fuel supplier will start straight away, with the All dates and times correct at time of going to print. Any changes willbe changeover expected to be fully rolled out by summer 2021. updated via: www.eastanglianlife.org.uk/theskillskitchen Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 6 InIn TouchTouch online:online: www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/capelcapers 7 8 In Touch online: NEWS / OUT & ABOUT

BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR SUE NEWS FROM CAPEL LIBRARY CARPENDALE: JANUARY/FEBRUARY Our libraries may be closed but Suffolk Libraries are still here with lots of lovely things for you. It remains vital to continue to follow the Covid-19 restrictions laid down by government, particularly now the potential for vaccinations is tantalisingly January saw us holding our second Jumpstart January with lots of free events close. Please ‘Stick with it, Suffolk’. and activities for everyone to take part in including yoga, pilates and creative dance. The rollout of vaccinations in our districts is extremely welcome with further primary care network (PCN) vaccination sites in Babergh recently announced. Our lovely stock team is adding to the online resources all the time so keep an During January and February, people will be offered vaccinations according to eye on our website for new eBooks. Remember we also offer eNewspapers the current priority schedule. Cohorts of people will be contacted to receive and eMagazines. For more information visit: their vaccination in due course. www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/borrow/read To keep everyone as safe as possible, the council is only undertaking We have also got lots of live events which you can stream for free at: emergency repairs inside residents’ homes or business premises. Further www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/live detail about any necessary changes to services in response to lockdown is These events are for all ages and there is something for everyone. So, even available on the district council website. though we may not be able to hand you a physical book yet, Suffolk Libraries Babergh and Mid Suffolk will move to using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) still has lots to offer. as a replacement for conventional diesel in their vehicle fleets. This isa Here at Capel, we will also be calling customers to see how they are doing cleaner, less polluting fuel and results in a significant CO2 emission reduction. during these strange times. If you know anyone who may benefit from this They will make a CIL fund bid to help pay for the supply and installation of a service, ask them to give us a call on 01473 311699 or to email us at capel. fuel tank at Chilton Depot, Sudbury. [email protected]. There has been a considerable rumpus over proposals to levy new short- We hope everyone is staying safe and we look forward to seeing you all again term car parking charges in both Sudbury and Hadleigh. Babergh is facing at the library. significant holes in future budgets. Council-owned car parks cost around £440K a year to run and are subsidised by some £185K, paid for out of The Friends of Capel Library Council Tax. There are various arguments for introducing charges but there Looking ahead, forms for 2021 membership and 100 Club renewal are is also strong and legitimate opposition to the initial proposals, which could available at the library as well as The Bentley Community Shop. threaten the viability of the two town centres. It is hoped that some changes The trustees look forward to seeing you in 2021 when, hopefully, we can start might be achieved before the budget is set in February. to reintroduce some events. Locality Grants Thanks, Bob (Treasurer) Babergh members now have grants of up to £2,000 per year to allocate to projects in their wards. With Covid-19 putting a stop to many activities, most councillors still have £2,000 sitting in the pot. I’m pleased to say that there are some requests in the pipeline for Capel’s funds. SESAW NEWS We little dogs have a reputation for being noisy creatures with plenty to say. Eligibility criteria and applications forms are available online. An application in Nevertheless, I sometimes wonder what to write as your magazine deadline one year does not preclude further applications in future years. Applications approaches but this month mum has an important message for anyone are not meant to be Covid-related as there are separate pots to assist struggling to look after their animals. with this. Please do not abandon your pets! We currently have space to take in animals [email protected] so if you, or someone you know, needs help, please get in touch by leaving your name and number on 01787 210888. A big thank you to Gladwells at STOUR VALLEY U3A for promoting a Christmas Appeal. Customers donated over Zoom has transformed our lives and even 1,600 tins of dog food to be shared reluctant users have become advocates in a short space of time, some between Blue Cross and SESAW. of us relying on our children or grandchildren to put us right. This Poppy Pug, a dog that was rehomed video conferencing tool has enabled many of our groups to continue, by SESAW, put on her best dress including French, German, Italian and Spanish language groups. Our to meet Colin, the manager at the first Zoom lecture took place in November and Zoom also enabled Copdock store where the haul was our Christmas quiz in December and the annual general meeting in collected. That will keep our rescued January. dogs well-fed for a long time. It is Activity groups, such as walking, table tennis and keep fithave taking much longer than usual to staggered between one tier and another but enjoy considerable work through the waiting list of those support when legally allowed. Many new members have joined in looking for new pets. Apologies order to be active and some to learn how to play the ukulele. for this but it’s unavoidable in the present climate. We are planning for better days in 2021, including a National U3A Day on June 2, the annual summer social and Christmas lunch in December. That’s a wrap for another month. This yappy mutt has more than filled his quota, hopefully to the satisfaction of readers and editor. Time for dinner and If you have finished working full-time or plan to soon and would like to a warm bed by the Rayburn for me, pursue new interests, visit our website to see what we have to offer. New members are always welcome. Kenny (the Boss) Chihuahua www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk Suffolk & Essex Small Animal Welfare Stoke Road, CO6 4PP www.sesaw.co.uk www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/capelcapers 9 OUT & ABOUT

COULD YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Home-Start in Suffolk has been dedicated to supporting Suffolk families “Deciding to become a Home-Start volunteer was probably one of the best struggling to cope with mental health, social isolation, poverty, illness, decisions I’ve ever made. I can truly say that I have really enjoyed my time bereavement, family breakdowns and domestic abuse since 1999. as a volunteer and feel privileged to be part of the wonderful charity that is Home-Start. Tara Spence, Home-Start in Suffolk’s CEO explains more about the organisation and its ethos: “Who’d have thought that by giving up a few hours a week of my life I “Supporting children to become healthy and happy adults is crucial to could make a difference to the life of a struggling mum? The great thing developing thriving communities and ultimately to making society fairer about it is that most of what I do when visiting a family are things that and more prosperous. Parent and family dynamics play a fundamental and I really enjoy, like having a chat and playing with and entertaining babies or critical role in any child’s life, having a huge impact on their health, social little children. interaction and educational attainment. As families break down, thereis “I always feel a bit nervous on the first couple of visits to a new family. greater involvement of costly state interventions such as child protection, Will we get on? Will the children like me? It’s so satisfying to see their trust children in care, educational support and mental health support.” develop week by week and our relationship grow, even sometimes into a In the last year, Home-Start volunteers supported more than 568 families but real friendship. with over 33,000 children living in poverty across the county and potentially “I have shared laughter, tears, sympathy, worries, family stories and 16,000 families that need the help of Home-Start, the need to recruit more experiences but at the end of most visits, I come away hoping that I’ve volunteers is ever increasing. made a difference. In one rare case, I often came home in tears because of “We believe the best opportunity to break cycles of adversity, reduce the what was going on in the family but the lovely office staff and coordinators likelihood of children passing on their negative experiences to their children were there to talk me through and offer advice and support. and improve the health and wellbeing of our society occurs in the early years of being a child and those first few years of being a parent and a family. “The office team make me feel valued. They were especially supportive Our vision is to empower parents and guardians with the skills, knowledge, during my recent difficult times. They were so thoughtful and caring so and emotional resilience to raise children to flourish. thank you Home-Start and well done!” “We are lucky to have an amazing network of over 250 fully trained volunteers With the demand for support from Home-Start growing year on year and offering regular confidential support and practical help to vulnerable families the impact that Covid-19 has had on everyone, it is paramount that the in their own homes and via the telephone. organisation continues to grow and recruit new volunteers so even more families can benefit from the Home-Start support service. “Our volunteers are what makes our organisation special and without their dedication, valued experience and support we would not be able to provide The children of Suffolk are our future. If you can help to give Suffolk a brighter this vital service.” future, Home-Start in Suffolk would be delighted to talk to you. We asked Monica, a long-serving volunteer, to explain what her role as a To find out more about becoming a volunteer call volunteer means to her: 01473 621104 or visit: www.homestartinsuffolk.org

10 In Touch online: Your virtual mission, if you choose to accept it, is to cycle 272km, the equivalent distance of visiting every St Elizabeth shop and hospice in Su olk, between 1 February - 31 March.

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12 In Touch online: OUT & ABOUT

MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY CAPEL LADIES CLUB We enjoyed two Zoom talks in January, Forever Learning with club members Ann and John Laverock and All the Gear and no Idea with Roger Hance. Well, here we are in February and, although my report is a little bit on the thin side, I recently found a positive quotation on the internet and We are a small and friendly group of photography enthusiasts who (in thought it fitted the way things are right now: normal times) meet up on the Essex/Suffolk border. The club aims to provide an enjoyable environment for members to enjoy the development of their “Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.” photographic skills through a variety of activities in the company of like- Victor Hugo, born 26th February 1802, died 22nd May 1885 minded individuals. We must all try and stay optimistic that we will see the end of the virus Our Zoom meetings continue to attract a good number of members and in the-not-too-distant future! recent competitions were well supported. We also have the Facebook challenge to keep us motivated. Caroline by Ian Bancroft was the winning Someone who was feeling particularly positive just before New Year image in our Ladies Name challenge. was Cathy Sweeney, the club member who won the virtual draw for the pamper hamper during our virtual Christmas Social. She is pictured on the front cover receiving her prize by our chairlady, Mary Butters. The food hamper was won by Beryl Backler. Thank you to Rose Chiverton and Wendy Keeble who were responsible for filling the hampers with goodies. We are now keeping our fingers crossed that we will be able to meet by Easter. Watch this space! Meanwhile, stay safe and keep smiling! Sue Woolgar www.capelladies.com

Meetings will continue via Zoom until further notice. You’ll find all the details on the website but in February we have two competitions. February 11: Woodland February 25: Contre Joure (pictures captured against the light) Normally we meet at 7.30pm on the second, fourth and fifth Thursdays at the St Johns Ambulance Centre, Station Road, Manningtree CO11 1EB. New members are welcome to join us via Zoom at present or may attend initially as visitors. Please contact our secretary, Viv Scurrell for details: 01206 393751 / [email protected] SLEEP OUT TO HELP OUT https://e-voice.org.uk/manningtreeanddistrictphotographicsociety Here at Mansion House Publishing we’re supporting a fundraising campaign by Laura Polley and Grace Nicoll who are passionate about ending homelessness in our local area. BRANTHAM AMATEUR Last year these remarkable young women raised money for Shelter which THEATRICAL SOCIETY strives to provide hot meals to rough sleepers in Ipswich. This year, they are even more committed to the cause and seek your support in raining money Due to the current restrictions, we are doing our best to be optimistic for our for Anglia Care Trust (ACT). 2021/2022 calendar. Since March 2020, ACT has worked relentlessly to provide housing support At the time of writing, we would normally be preparing and putting on our when other agencies couldn’t. They have provided safe accommodation for annual panto or musical for the February half term, as well as planning for our rough sleepers, prison leavers and survivors fleeing domestic abuse. They summer comedy performances in July. never closed, never stopped answering the helpline and never stopped fighting to make people safe. It is obviously a challenging time for all of us. However, we have a wonderful family of writers, directors and budding acting enthusiasts poised and ready To honour their hard work and help to ensure their services are known to the to start performing again, as soon as is feasibly possible. local community, Laura and Grace have organised a SleepOut fundraiser on February 5 in partnership with their colleagues at University of Suffolk BATS is a friendly and welcoming group and despite all the challenges, we have managed to stay in touch. We are currently looking at possibly reinstating our Due to lockdown restrictions, they will be sleeping rough in their back gardens online Junior and Teen BATS groups via Zoom. Dates to be confirmed. We for the night to raise awareness of the realities of homelessness. have also met regularly for play readings, quiz nights and bingo! If you’d like to take part and host your own SleepOut for ACT, please get in Above all, our message to you all is to keep touch with Laura Polley via Facebook. safe. Thank you for all your past support; we look forward to seeing you in the future. Your support would mean a lot to Laura and Grace so please use the QR code to locate their Localgiving page where every www.batsonline.co.uk donation, however small, will help make a difference. www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/capelcapers 13 OUT & ABOUT

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED CAPEL ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION, We hope you had a happy and peaceful New Year and extend good wishes to FEBRUARY 2021 all our members past and present. One enormous advantage of growing your own fruit and veg is that you We still hope to restart when it’s safe to do so but will maintain contact harvest and eat it when it’s in season and it’s at its very best. Cold frames through In Touch until then. and greenhouses help to stretch that season and protect crops from freak weather conditions. If you are interested in a virtual craft please contact Debbie via email: [email protected] The Veg Plot Clear spent crops, canes and perennial weeds. If dry, spray with glyphosate Jill: 01473 713534 / [email protected] to reduce the chance of a fresh lush jungle the next time you visit. Continue Ann: 01437 780298 / [email protected] winter digging, incorporating mushroom compost at £30 a bucket (01473 Janet and Debbie: [email protected] 310380) or composted garden waste. Sow peas and broad beans and apply bonemeal. Plant rhubarb and cover with strawy manure. Feed with sulphate of ammonia or blended stable manure and cover crowns to encourage early MANNINGTREE POETRY GROUP growth. Sprout potato tubers in a frost-free area. If the soil dries, risk sowing carrots, spring onion, lettuce, beetroot, peas, turnips and parsnip or sow Due to the current situation, the monthly meetings under cloches. Plant onion sets and shallots. Scatter slug pellets. of Poetry Plus are suspended. Lawns We are now producing a monthly online electronic poetry Aerate wet areas and apply sharp sand. Lay turf. Clean equipment. Contact magazine to keep poets connected and to provide an Steve Blake for repairs and service (07813 814623) or TGC Garden Machinery exciting collection of poetry. Services, Tattingstone for repairs, servicing and new equipment atvery competitive prices (01473 327737). Apply lawn sand or sulphate of iron to The magazine is entirely free and available to everybody. control moss. You’ll find it at: https://poetryplus.org.uk/themagazine.html Stale fuel over four weeks old can damage carburettors and cause poor starting and engines to run rough. Use fuel additives to keep fuel fresh. Fruit EBONY’S BLOG Apply grease bands now. Plant trees and bushes with a dusting of bone Life at The Shelley Centre meal. Apply a winter tree wash to control insect pests. Cover strawberries with fleece. Prune apples and pears. Cut autumn raspberries to ground level. So, lockdown number three is upon us! Do you find each lockdown harder Protect peaches, nectarines and apricots against leaf curl with a copper spray. than the last? Everyone is war-weary but aren’t we lucky that we are not actually in a war zone and that vaccinations are becoming a possibility? Greenhouse Congratulations to our scientists, the clever geeks. Our live herd enjoys the Empty and wash with Jeyes. Line with bubble plastic. Spray with a whitefly benefit of vaccinations too and we are always thankful that the vet’s visits killer. Sow main crop onions, leeks and sweet peas in pots. Check cuttings for keep us up to date. mildew and spray with fungus fighter. Begin sowing annuals and tomatoes. Water plants sparingly. Sow peas in guttering and slide into a shallow trench It’s the season to be muddy, cold and very wet up here. Babs and I are idle but when plants are 4cm high. Sow broad beans in plugs and stand outside when we hear the others being brought into their stabling to rest and be groomed. 1.5cm high for a week before planting out. Sow spring onions and beetroot in Some go out on exercise, which is allowed, others just laze around on the 10-inch plug strips; do not thin out. Plant outside in March 10cm apart. Sow wood shavings until it’s time to venture out again. Our wonderful team of lettuce in 10-inch plug strips, thin to one plant. Plant outside in March 20cm helpers keeps everything going despite the cold and wind. The live herd is apart or in grow bags under glass. extremely grateful. Flowers We have a dedicated team of maintenance men here too. I used to be able to Tidy borders and feed with Growmore or 6X and mulch. Ventilate watch what they did but under lockdown, I can only listen out for the rumble chrysanthemum stools. Start sowing annuals. of barrows and the chink of spades. ALLOTMENT NEWS I hope my readers will forgive the lack of gossip this month but you know what it’s like to be shut in your homes too. I have included photos of me and Site Visits: If any groups would like to visit the site and wildlife area, email BABS from our bunker. Philippa Brandon: [email protected] BABS was invented long before I was and Membership: Just £5 a year. doesn’t pretend to look like a horse! When The Hut: Open to our members from 10am-noon from Saturday 6 February she’s wheeled out and plugged in, she suitably socially distanced and masked. replicates the horse’s gait and gives her rider fantastic physio. I don’t mean to boast but Plots: The site is at full capacity and we have a waiting list. If you live in Capel I’m far more sophisticated and better looking. and fancy growing your own, download a form from our website and contact What have in common is our role which is Dennis to add your name to the list. to complement the work the live horses and Our website carries a more extensive version of this article. ponies do in strengthening our riders and improving their wellbeing. www.capelallotments.co.uk Here’s hoping that when you read this the big bad statistics will have shrunk. We all need this virus to be thwarted and when it’s under control, we will be so happy to welcome riders old and new back again. Keep cheerful Possums and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do! www.rda-east.org.uk/shelley.html / 01473 824172 14 In Touch online: www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/capelcapers 15 16 In Touch online: OUT & ABOUT / SPORT

WORK WELL SUFFOLK: REMOVING CAPEL ST MARY BOWLS CLUB BARRIERS TO WORK FOR AGES 18+ The club is in the process of arranging the diary for the 2021 season. The intention is to Suffolk County Council has been successful in securing European Social offer a full calendar of events, assuming we Funding to deliver a three-year project called Work Well Suffolk. are permitted to do so. Work Well Suffolk is providing a locally integrated coaching and employment Led by our club captain Fran Wiseman service that tackles the deep-seated barriers to work for all who need working with our team captains, we are also it. The service will act as the ‘cement between the bricks’ of the health, in the process of agreeing on who will play employability, skills and wellbeing services that are available to people in in each league. This too assumes that games Suffolk. It will ensure that individuals can gain bespoke and timely access to will be played. relevant services whilst blending in coaching, employability support, skills provision and advice and guidance. We continue to maintain our green which is currently in incredibly good condition. We look forward to welcoming new members in 2021 and will ensure they receive coaching if required. All you need is a pair of flat-soled shoes and enthusiasm; the club will provide the equipment. If you would like to try outdoor bowls this year, please contact any club member. All our latest news can be found at: www.capelstmarybowls.onesuffolk.net Or contact us by email: [email protected] Keep safe everyone, Jack High Realise Futures CIC will provide a dedicated Work Well Suffolk coaching service for people with multiple and complex barriers to progressing in life and work. It will also focus on supporting the people of Suffolk to re-engage with education, training, or employment. EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FC Covid is winning this season hands down, so no grassroots football for the Working with our strategic partners, Steadfast Training and MENTA, foreseeable future. Here’s hoping that there is better news next month! dedicated Work Well Suffolk employment services will seek out, create and support employment and self-employment, volunteering and mentoring We would like to thank our sponsors for this season: SMY IT Specialists, JAK opportunities for individuals across the county. Services Ground Care, Riverside Taxis Manningtree, Marquis, Bergholt Travel, The project will be managed by Suffolk County Council and delivered across G & C Timber & Joinery Ltd, Primus and Kitchen Worktops Online. the following areas of Suffolk; Ipswich, , Babergh and Mid Suffolk, If you would like to sponsor the club in some capacity, we would also be East Suffolk and Waveney. delighted to hear from you. The project is being supported by a Strategic Steering Group with members Events to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the club had to be postponed but from Suffolk County Council, Realise Futures CIC, MENTA, Steadfast Training, we plan to rearrange when the opportunity arises. West Suffolk Council, Department for Work and Pensions, Ipswich Borough Council, East Suffolk Council and Babergh and Mid-Suffolk District Council. We are always on the lookout for people who can help the club as committee members, whether on the playing side or just in the background. In particular, Work Well Suffolk can help anyone who is over 18 years old and eligible to we are looking for an A Team manager for next season. work in the UK. If our service is not the most appropriate to help, we will do a warm handover to other services. Priority for the coaching service will be The ladies and juniors both hope to get underway as soon as possible. If you given to people who face barriers to employment due to: a long term health are interested, please contact David George ([email protected]) condition, a mental health issue, a learning difficulty of disability, autism or or Lee Partridge ([email protected]). childcare issues and are unemployed or unable to work. Steve Butcher (secretary): [email protected] To refer into Work Well Suffolk please use the website below or email Facebook: East Bergholt United Football Club [email protected] for further information. Instagram: east_bergholt_united_fc www.suffolk.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/work-well-suffolk Twitter: @EBUFC1

www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/capelcapers 17 CHURCH NEWS

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE CAPEL METHODIST CHURCH As I write, we have just entered out third Covid-19 lockdown. It seems to be Planning ahead has been difficult due to the pace of change. There’s worse than the first in March 2020, probably because we are in the middle not a person who hasn’t had to change their plans because of Covid-19 of winter. However, the good news is that we have started the vaccination restrictions. In the Methodist Church, one of the key documents that programme and are now stepping it up with the introduction of the Oxford every group of churches (we call them ‘circuits’) publishes is The version. Preaching Plan. All places of worship are listed (22 churches in this area) and appointed preachers, both ministers and lay preachers, are I was listening to BBC Radio Suffolk yesterday morning and several callers scheduled so that every church has an appointed preacher for each were asking why they hadn’t had the call for their injections yet. Some of service. Each plan covers three months and we are always working the conversations were quite heated and tempers were being raised. I was on the next one, collecting information some six months in advance. pleased to hear one listener – an 80-year-old man who explained that he and We are struggling to even do a month ahead right now because many his wife are both vulnerable – criticising those who complained about the churches are not gathering in person. In fact, my last two church delay in rolling out the vaccines. He was very patient and said we would be services were cancelled at short notice because of the increase in called by the GP surgeries when they were ready to vaccinate priority groups. Covid-19 cases locally. He also said we should all be especially patient at this time and not ring up hospitals or surgeries, which were very busy dealing with Covid-19 cases. He However, we can produce online services and at Capel Methodist was grateful that he was still able to go to the local shop to buy essentials, Church we have asked our preachers to record their sermons for this such as food for him and his wife. Another listener rang up a little later and purpose. Using YouTube, Zoom, Facebook and our websites, we have supported his view. This was very refreshing to hear and the contrast between made contact with many more people and learned new skills in the these two views was very evident. process. Do check them out at www.methodistic.org.uk and www. capelmethodistchurch.org.uk. We will all be aware of the saying “patience is a virtue” but how many of us practice it? Like many of the famous sayings we recite today, the original What are our expectations for 2021? It is difficult to be precise about author is hard to pin down. Some date it back to Cato the Elder in the the future and making predictions is risky. We do know that God loves third or fourth century. Others attribute it to The Canterbury Tales, written us and many of us know that as a present experience. When King David during the 14th century. Since literature is quite fluid and shared by many, experienced difficulties and was verging on despair, he wrote, “I find writers often observe similar concepts and themes. It can be difficult to rest in God; only he gives me hope. He alone is my rock, my rescuer, my attribute commonly accepted thoughts or reflections to one individual. The defence; nothing will shake me” (Psalm 62:5,6). phrase is not a direct quote from the Bible, but there are many references I do not need to have my whole future mapped out. I need to find that to “patience”. Please allow me to share a couple of these with you: quiet space each day to discover God’s presence with me. That can give us a quiet confidence and, as David says, we will not be shaken. There Galatians 5 v 22: “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: will be more twists and turns in the development of the pandemic and love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and the rollout of the vaccines. There will be people we won’t be able to self-control. There is no law against these things.” NLT see. We need to live each day in the present. We may be unsure of the Patience here is described as part of the fruit of the Spirit of God, who is given future but let us learn to live life for that day and each day that follows. to all those who, by faith, receive, the gift of Jesus Christ, which is life in all My prayer is that you, like me, may be thankful its fullness that God is with you, with us. This experience is 2 Peter 3 v 9: “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some available for all and if you do not know it, please people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone do contact me as I would love for you to have that to be destroyed but wants everyone to repent.” NLT confidence in God. This verse refers to the second coming of Jesus Christ and some were Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel Methodist Church questioning whether this would ever happen. Peter refers to the patience of 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG the Lord, who wants to give time for everyone to respond to his message of [email protected] / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 love and forgiveness. Live streaming of services every Sunday, 10.15 for 10.30am start, at: Are we patient? We all need special help in this area. The best help is for the www.capelmethodistchurch.org.uk (available 24/7) indwelling power of God’s Spirit to help us to exercise part of the fruit of the Feb 7 Terry Tennens Spirit. May you know God’s help in this. Please visit the church website if you Feb 14 Richard Spencer want to know more about this. We would be delighted to help. Feb 21 Local Members Peter Matthews, Capel Community Church Feb 28 Andrew Sankey www.capelcommunitychurch.org.uk

18 In Touch online: CHURCH NEWS

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

Christ in the house of Martha and Mary by Johannes Jan Vermeer I didn’t always go to church and I certainly didn’t read the Bible; I was far too busy as a mother of small children and a teacher. Then my children went to a Church of England school and I thought I had better show my face at their church. The sermon was on Martha and Mary. Mary sits at Jesus’ feet and listens to his teachings. Martha is in the kitchen, banging pots loudly, huffing and puffing and trying to organise supper. She becomes frustrated and snaps, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” Jesus calmly replies, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few are needed-or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better and it will never be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42) As a young mum sitting in the cold pew this hit me right between the eyes. I was Martha, I was huffing and puffing, feeling sorry for myself, trying to be a perfectionist, wanting everything to be right, and yet something was missing. I was looking for more. I brought a student Bible and I had absolutely no idea where to start. Bible sales have risen during the pandemic. It was downloaded two million times in March alone across Google Play and the App stores. Perhaps people were looking to see if the pandemic had been predicted or perhaps it was seen as a talisman, a holy object to keep us safe. I have been listening to The History of the Bible by John Barton on Radio 4. He says that we can generally find in the Bible whatever we are looking for. He is right. The Bible will give us stories, laws, proverbs, prophecies and poems. It is a patchwork of different books, old scrolls that give us a different angle on the life of Christ, and through that our own. There are religious truths, a collection of the records of different people at different times. It has remained relevant even today, perhaps more so in our times. How do you know if you haven’t tried it? Are you wondering where to start? Well, you could start with Paul’s Letters or the Gospel of John for a vivid biography of Jesus. I guarantee you will find phrases and stories that are echoed in your mind. If you don’t know how to get it on an app, call in at the rectory and I will give you a well-thumbed one. It will change your life. It did mine. Love and blessings, stay well, enjoy the spring when it comes and be guided by the light, Rev Sally The Rectory, Days Road / 01473 311505 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/capelcapers 19