Martlesham Touch
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Volume 10 • Issue No. 12 • DECEMBER 2020 Your free local community magazine: essential local news, services & information delivered through your door every month ™© Inwith Martlesham Touchwww.keepingintouchwith.co.uk Digital Support for Small Businesses See page 4 Introducing Martlesham Climate Action See page 9 New dates for Santa’s Sleigh tour See page 14 2 In Touch online: Published by: A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP I can’t end this gruelling year without expressing how proud I am to live in this little corner of the planet where I’ve witnessed such remarkable generosity and reported on extraordinary achievements. I’m not ashamed to EDITOR: Sharon Jenkins admit I have been reduced to tears on several occasions. The speed at which people responded when the first T: 01473 400380 lockdown was accounced was astonishing. Groups formed almost overnight to provide practical assistance and Send editorial copy to: emotional support, not knowing how long they would be needed or the extent of the need. We’ve done our best [email protected] to assist all the support group by sharing information in print and online articles and promoting fundraising and Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and food collection schemes, but it’s the people on the ground, making it happen every day, taking calls into the night, photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the checking in on people who would otherwise be totally isolated who we must thank. While I hope we never have right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss. to deal with another crisis such as this, we’ve clearly proven we can and will step up to protect, care for and wrap ADVERTISING a (social distanced) loving arm around those in most need. T: 01473 400380 Yes, it has been a truly annus horribilis, but it is important to focus on what we have learned about society and E: [email protected] about ourselves. I hope you feel more secure now because now you know there are amazing people in your local DISTRIBUTION community who will respond when you ask for help; you simply have to ask! Isn’t it wonderfully reassuring to know Tree Martin: 01473 400380 that the true essence of community, a concept which many no longer believed in, is stronger than ever. Place has E: [email protected] meaning because it makes us part of something which is bigger and stronger than we are alone and now we must PRINTING ensure we not only retain the new connections we have formed but also work to strengthen them. ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379 We can do this by engaging more, by supporting and caring about where we live and doing our bit to support E: [email protected] and care for others. We also do this by supporting our local businesses, the very backbone of local community. Disclaimer: If we want access to the products and services our local businesses provide, we must support them now. They The views expressed by contributors are not deserve our love as without them our towns and villages lose that which make them a viable, interesting and necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine unique place to live and raise our families. are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. Let’s show our love by resolving to shop local, and not just for Christmas, though wouldn’t it be wonderful to While reasonable care is taken when accepting present local gifts to friends and family this year, acknowledging in a very real way why our community is so very, advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ very important to us all. editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the I wish you good health and happiness for Christmas and the New Year but also send my right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any regards to those who have suffered ill health or the loss of a loved one in the last year. written complaints. Merry Christmas from everyone at Mansion House Publishing © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. IN TOUCH NEWS © In Touch with Stowmarket & Stowupland is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd This month I’m focusing on our office supplies arm, Boswell Office Supplies. Boswell joined with Mansion House Group several years ago and it has been fascinating to get to know this highly competitive industry a little better. Jon and Mark are the resident experts and there’s nothing they don’t know about pens, folders, paper, screens, first aid kits, cleaning equipment, catering supplies…. well, it’s a long list but I’m sure you get the picture! However, you may be surprised to know that ‘office supplies’ also includes office furniture and we’re not just Printed on gloss paper from FSC certified sources talking about filing cabinets and storage units, though both are available. With so many people working remotely, Please recycle. the demand for aesthetically pleasing desks, flexible work units and comfortable chairs, Boswell has introduced IN TOUCH TITLES a new range of competitively priced home office furniture and seating which look good in any and every space. • Stowmarket & Stowupland Desks come in every shape and size and a vast range of colours and finishes too. I have my eye on a ‘mid-century • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew style compact desk in grand walnut finish and black accent panels and frame’. Sounds rather grand doesn’t it but • Melton & Woodbridge it’s quite a modern little desk so Jon, if you need me to test it for you, I’m happy to be your guinea pig! There’s a • Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley lovely little black desk lamp on my wishlist too. • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon You can see and order the full range online and Boswell will deliver to your home address. The Boswell delivery van • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall is out and about five days a week, travelling throughout East Anglia to business premises and homes, so whether & Warren Heath it’s a one-off order for that special desk or badly needed ergonomic chair or something you need regularly, our • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, man in a van is happy to oblige. Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit The Boswell website site is a treat if you have a specific requirement (everything is carefully categorised so it’s • Needham Market & The Creetings easy to search) but Jon and Mark are also available on the phone if you need assistance or advice before placing • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, an order. Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone • Martlesham Boswell Office Supplies is basically a shop on wheels so don’t get caught out… and yes,that’s covered too! • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) • Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall KEEPING IN TOUCH We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe keepingintouchwith.co.uk / spotlightmagazine.co.uk / vanillamagazine.co.uk Friday 4 December Twitter: @InTouchEast / @vanillazine is the advertising and Instagram: @mansionhousepublishing / @vanilla.magazine editorial deadline for Facebook: @mansionhousepublishing / @vanillamagazinesuffolk the January edition www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/martlesham 3 NEWS MARTLESHAM HEATH HOUSEHOLDERS Christmas Greetings We know this Christmas may not be how we would all choose to enjoy it, but we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. Stay safe: remember to wear your mask, keep your distance from others and DIGITAL SUPPORT AVAILABLE FOR keep washing your hands. Hopefully, with a vaccine on the horizon, things can eventually get back to some form of normality in the new year. SMALL BUSINESSES New Director Small businesses in East Suffolk are to be offered advice and support on digital We welcome Mr David Boswell as the new parish council nominated director adaptations and interventions to help during the challenges of Covid-19. to join the board at Martlesham Heath Householders Limited. He has replaced John Kelso as the PC representative, but we are pleased to say the John has East Suffolk Council has launched a free-to-use Digital Advice Service which stayed on as a director. will offer small businesses, especially those in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors, with an opportunity to get digital advice and diagnostics. Annual Maintenance Surcharge Unfortunately, any member who had not paid their 2020/2021 Annual The service will offer extensive digital business support, a personalised Maintenance Charge by 1 December 2020 has reluctantly been charged a session with a business growth coach, access to digital growth workshops £10 surcharge. Chasing outstanding fees is time consuming and the surcharge and group coaching sessions, as well as signposting to other forms of support (as agreed at the March 2020 AGM) is there as an incentive for members to including a small grant scheme. East Suffolk businesses are urged to sign up pay their fee on time. for the service by emailing: [email protected] Revetments at the Control Tower Car Park The service has been developed by the council in response to the business Repairs are underway at the revetments next to the Control Tower car park.