November 2016

Near Little Finborough Church 1 Battisford Village Hall Management Committee

Anyone who uses the Village Hall on a regular basis will notice that, yet again, during the summer break there have been more changes and improvements to the hall. Stan Winter with help from John Thornton has worked his usual magic and we are now proud owners of a brand new kitchen. Stan had nurtured the old one (which was second hand when he originally fitted it) and the time had come when drawers and door fronts were beyond repair.

There have also been improvements to the Committee Room providing the Pre-school with a much more permanent storage arrangement.

The next project in the upkeep of the hall is to look at the floor, most of which is the original school floor that undergoes continu- al maintenance to keep it looking good. Also in some places it seems to have a bit more spring than it should have. This will be a major job and will need some serious fund raising to complete.

Hopefully you have seen the Christmas Ball advertised with which we are hoping to kick start fundraising for the floor. The event is being held at Ringshall Village Hall (purely because we needed a bit more room for dancing) on the 26th November. Look out for the poster further on in the magazine which contains more details of the event. It would be great to see you there.

BATTISFORD VILLAGE HALL LISTINGS

Monday – Friday during term time Pre-School morning sessions, lunch clubs and afternoon session. For Pre-School contact (07540 645300)

Wednesday: 7.00pm Snooker Club Night To Join the Snooker Club contact Brian Smith 01449 775363

or book a table via Bob Hicks 01449 672765

The Gardening Club usually meets on the first Monday of the month - contact Bill Baldry on 01449 672168.

The Indoor Bowls Club play every Wednesday from 7pm.—contact Pamela & Eddie Sturgeon 01449 676978

The Hall is available for hire for £15 per hour

Special rates apply for regular bookings - tables are also available for hire on a 24 hour basis.

Contact Sally Winter on 01449 674852 for further details

LOOK OUT FOR SANTA’S SLEIGH ! BATTISFORD: TUESDAY 13TH DECEMBER COMBS: WEDNESDAY 14TH DECEMBER Starting from the Punchbowl at 6pm Raising money for a good cause

2 Battisford & Beyond

As this year’s Carnival is purported to be the last; Graham Card decided that Battisford should enter a ‘village’ float. The Carnival theme was the 1960s and after some debate it was agreed that our entry should commemorate the landing of the first men on the moon in 1969 and that the title should be ‘Battisford & Beyond’

The main feature of the float was this amazing rocket made by Stan Winter.

There were spacemen!

Earthlings from the sixties

Little green men

The Earth The Moon and the Stars 3 BARCLIF DIRECTORY

Parish Council Chairmen Battisford Preschool

Battisford: Chris Knock: 07720387367. Battisford Preschool is an Ofsted registered provision taking children from 2 -5 years. We Combs: Stuart Scarff: 01449 613489 are able to offer free places for 3 and 4 year olds. Lt Finborough: Paul Marriage: 01449 612815 We operate Monday – Friday during term time District Councillor offering morning sessions, lunch clubs and af- David Whybrow :07799068926 ternoon sessions. For more information telephone Jo Rainbird - County Councillor 01449 612289 or 07540 645300.

Julia Truelove : 01449 678 652 ( there is funding available for some 2 year olds depend- ent on your circumstances so please enquire for further Doctors surgeries infor- mation) Bildeston Health Centre: 01449 720254 Combs Ford Surgery: 01449 78333 Country Practice: 01449 720666 Violet Hill Surgery: 01449776000

Defibrillators

Battisford Parish Council would like to thank residents of Combs and Battisford who donated so generously last Christ- mas to "Santa's Little Helpers", and also County Councillor Truelove and County Council for their additional fi- nancial support. Together they have provided funding for the purchase of three defibrillators. Battisford's first defibril- lation machine has now been installed in the old telephone box on the Straight Road in Battisford.

A further two Defibrillators are planned; one will be located at the east end of the Straight Road and the other at the Cricket Ground in Moats Tye.

Battisford Indoor Bowls Club

Bowls started again this September after a summer break. We are looking for new members so if you are interested in joining us please call Pamela & Eddie Sturgeon on 01449 676978 or just pop in on a Wednesday evening from 7pm for a chat or a cup of tea. We will be pleased to see you and to show you what the Bowls Club is all about. However it is probably better if you call us first to make sure we are playing.

We are hoping to meet up for a friendly match with Needham Market Bowls Club soon.

4 St Mary’ s Church, Battisford

News and future events

On September 5th we were glad to be present at the service of Licensing & Installation of our new priest, the Reverend Daniel Harrison, which took place in Barking Church. He will minister to the eight parishes of Barking, Battisford, Flowton, Great Bricett, Offton, Ringshall, Somersham and . On November 6th, Mike, Bishop off Dunwich will be coming to Battisford to lead a Communion Service at our usual time of 11.15am He would like to chat with as many people as possible over coffee afterwards. At 3pm on November 13th there will be a special service in Battisford Church when Revd. Dan will be coming to meet you all. There will be refreshments to follow. On 4th December for Morning Prayer, at 11.15am, we will bring gifts, mainly toiletries, for those at the Light- house Refuge Centre in . Our Christmas Fayre will be held in the Punchbowl this year from 9.30—11.30 am. On sale will be cakes, gifts, wreaths, table decorations, plants and much more. On 24th December we will be holding our annual ‘Carols by Candlelight’ Service at 5pm Dates for 2017 diary: On Saturday April 1st (no its not an April Fool!) we will be holding a ‘Giant Book Sale’ in Battisford Community Centre from 10.30am—2.30pm. We have already had many books donated which are being kept in dry storage.

We would be most grateful if you have any books to donate. Please contact Caroline Burgoyne on 01449 615442 or Ann Wilson on 01449 678105 who will be pleased to collect them. Alternatively please leave them at the Church which is open during the day.

5 BATTISFORD & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB NOTES

Another year is drawing to a close and it has been another successful year for the Gardening Club. We have had a variety of speakers, trips to local gardens and a coach trip up to North Norfolk. Social events (quiz, bbq) have all been enjoyed by members and our community activity continues as we look after the plants at the Punchbowl, where we had a very suc- cessful plant stall at the recent Garage Trail.

The spring weather reduced the number of entries at our 9th Annual Show, in conjunction with the Combs Fete back in July, but we still provided a full, varied and colourful display for Fete visitors to enjoy. I would like to thank everyone from the villages who took part in this year’s Show and I hope that you will be able to support us again at next year’s Show. If you just came and had a look this year perhaps there will be something to tempt you to take part next year – I hope so - keep a look out for our Show schedule next spring.

Gardening goes a little bit quieter at this time of year but we still have a mix of speakers and social activities planned for November to February. On Monday 7th November we have Alan Shipp, the holder of a National Collection of Hyacinths, coming to give us a talk entitled “Hyacinths, the spring kaleidoscope flower” at Battisford Community Centre 7.30pm, everyone welcome. December 5th is the Club members quiz with George Bethell once again kindly acting as quizmaster. Then in January we have the Club’s New Year meal before a speaker from RHS Hyde Hall in Essex comes to give us at talk at the Community Centre 7.30pm on Monday 6th February. For more details of any of these events please contact Bill Baldry, 12 Tannery Road, Combs on 01449 672168 or check out our website www.battisfordgardeningclub.org.uk. New members and guests are always welcome to any of our meetings. Best wishes for a happy and healthy end to the year and for 2017 from all at the Gardening Club.

Wood Farm, Gipping

One of the Gardening Club’s summer visits was to Wood Farm, Gipping which opens for charity under the National Gar- dens Scheme. As well as beautiful perennial beds , an amazing old farm house surrounded by a moat there is a magnifi- cent wild flower meadow created and planted by the owners over a number of years. It’s worth a visit—details on the NGS website

6

It might be "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas" "Jingle Bells" or "I wish it could be Christmas every day!". But sometimes it's carol like "Silent Night", "Once In Royal David's City" or " Hark The Herald Angels Sing." I wonder what you would have on yo mas Playlist?

If you wish to contribute articles or photographs for the next Barclifnews please contact the editor, Anthea How- ard, on 01449675161 or email [email protected] by 10th Feb 2017.

If you are interested in advertising please contact the editor for details

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From the Parishes of Combs & Little Finborough

There is much information about Combs church is on the website and, of course, the magazine is available to anyone who would like to receive it. These are a few highlights from the past and into the future. We are trying a CHRISTINGLE at St Mary’s, Little Finborough on Sunday the 27th November at 3pm. It is a service open to all and the proceeds are always donated to The Children’s Society. It is especially suitable for families. If you haven’t been to church for some time this is a good way to get back into the swing of things……………. Informal Carol singing will happen in the Punchbowl on Tuesday 13th December from 7 pm in the evening. All are welcome. The Medieval Banquet at Little Finborough Hall was a great success and thanks to all who contributed, as a result of which £600 has been added to Combs’ Bell Fund, now that the fund raising for the roof is complete and work underway. Our grateful thanks to Jill Scarff for her organisational skills and to Paul and Caroline Marriage for hosting. Our services at Combs are enlivened by the Choir under Danny Howden’s excellent leadership. If anyone would like to join please be in touch with me. Several people come across the ‘Slough’ and up from the Ford so transport is easily available. Christmas rehearsals are starting soon in church, though in the cold of the winter we usually repair to the Rectory or West End Farm in Mill Road. Some of you will have seen that we are staring a Handbell Ringing Team for Christmas and if you would like to be involved please speak directly to Peta Whiting of Moats Tye on 01449 677766 The Santons (see last BARCLIF) will be displayed at Combs’ Nativity Festival on the first weekend in December – please make an effort to come and see them and the other displays. Bishop Mike will be with us for the opening Service at 6pm on Friday 2nd December, where hopefully we welcome the Brownies, Guides and Boys Brigade as well as a large congrega- tion.

Our Christmas Services are as follows:

Sunday 27th November - Christingle - 3pm St Mary’s, Little Finborough* Friday 2nd December - 6pm St Mary’s, Combs Launch of Nativity Festival* with Bishop Mike Sunday 18th December- 3pm St. Mary’s, Combs Carol Service with Trinity Church School* Tuesday 20th December - 7pm Carol Service Lt Finborough with refreshments Christmas Eve - 3pm Crib and Carols, St. Mary’s, Combs * 6pm, First Holy Communion of Christmas (Midnight Mass 11.30pm Gt Finborough) Christmas Day - 9am Holy Communion and Hymns Lt Finborough* 11am Family Service St. Mary’s, Combs* Services marked with an* are especially suitable for children BUT both churches are ‘open’ each week(!) and the clergy are here for enquiries and such support as they can give. With all good wishes,

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Don’t let the grass grow under your feet!

It’s been another busy year at Orchard Barn with lots happening both on and off site. And with one Wednesday a month being spent in a wood near Hadleigh, the volunteers have failed to keep on top of the plant growth within the orchard.

However a concerted effort was made to cut back the stinging nettles, brambles, thistles and grass from around most of the fruit trees and we were able to pick the apples and store them away.

Of course, the cut vegetation was not wasted. As the compost heaps needed turning we incorporated the green matter with lots of chopped brown material (twigs, bark, etc.) with the compost as we turned it. This will keep lots of mini-beasts very happy and provide us with great compost for the vegetable plot (pictured during our open afternoon).

We’ve recently started monthly Saturday learning days so if you work during the week but want to find out about composting, deadwood screens, hedge laying, tool sharpening and lots of other practical skills then details are on our website - www.orchardbarn.org.uk

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Punch BowI Inn

Regular Favourites and Special Fun every month

XMAS is coming - book your work, family or friend’s party

Sunday Lunch every week with musical accompaniment on the first Sunday

Second Monday – Tea and a Chat: An afternoon of good company, tea/coffee and delicious cakes and sandwiches. Open to all in the community. Earlier winter start time starting after Christmas .

Second Tuesday – Quiz Night: Teams of 4 - £3 per person and cash prizes. Hot snacks available.

Third Monday – it’s Spice Night: Treat yourself to our traditionally made Indian curries and enjoy Indian cuisine right here in Battisford

Third Tuesday– Acoustic Night: Open to all who love music, whether they strum, blow, squeeze or sing – or just listen and enjoy!

Last Saturday Speciality Night: ask for details at the Punchbowl

Lookout for special events and the regularly changing menu

Keep up to date with events at the Inn: www.punchbowlbattisford.co.uk Contact us: 01449 771646 or email: [email protected]

Punch Bowl Inn, Bowl Road, Battisford Tye, Stowmarket IP14 2LQ Part time evening Job opportunities for kitchen staff - give us a call

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Gifts for all the Family From Apple juice to DVDs, Recipe books and jam Jewellery made from buttons and lavender in a can Canvas eco shopping bags, Flour from the local mill Placemats and notecards, and books for Uncle Bill Silk scarves just arrived, and gemstone jewellery Aprons and oven mitts, with sheep, owls and bees Tea towels and tea pots, Chocolate and cushions too We are sure that we have the perfect gifts for you Hope to see you soon for presents for all your kin We will help to find your perfect gifts, just pop in.

The Tourist information centre is managed by Babergh and district councils. We are also front of house for the Museum of East Anglian life, who benefit from a percent- age of all shop sales. Sue Green Mid Suffolk Tourist Information Centre Museum of East Anglian Life Stowmarket IP14 1DL 01449 676800 [email protected] www.heartofsuffolk.co.uk

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Qualified Tree Surgeon & Horticul- turist Honest Reliable Service Offering:

Tree surgery (from light pruning to large tree removal) Landscaping (planning and design, fencing, patios, borders, ponds, decking, hedge planting) Garden maintenance (grass cutting, weeding, clearance) Firewood for sale Please see website for more info & photographs

www.rewtstreesandgardens.co.uk [email protected] Tel: 07825253720

BATTISFORD WALKING GROUP The walking group meets at Battisford Vil- lage Hall at 10am on the first Sunday of the month, If you would like to join us, please contact me; Jane Pope 615541 or [email protected]. 07885 175078.

(No walk December or January)

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Battisford Village Green Play Area

The play area equipment has been installed and has already been enjoyed by a large number of local children and a well attended open day was held earlier in the summer. The Play Area Committee are grateful for all the local help and support and particularly to Tesco who gave a grant of £10,000. However they need to continue to raise funds for more equipment and for maintenance of the current facilities so please look out for further fund raising activities

13 Visit by Jo Churchill MP

On the 10th August, Jo Churchill, the local MP, visited Battisford & Combs as part of a whistle-stop tour of 40 villages and towns in her constituency. She met a group of people from the area and there was much discussion about local and national issues. It was a very informal meeting and Jo was able to respond to questions on a wide variety of topics. She was friendly and charming and everyone warmed to her whatever their political persuasion. Two people came to the meeting especially to thank Jo in person for her help in addressing issues they had written to her about. She was accompanied by her daughter who took copious notes of issues and suggestions for Jo to follow up.

Jo, third from the left, outside the Cricket Pavilion, with some of the people who came to the meeting, Including Chris Knock, Chairman of Battisford Parish Council

B ATTISFORD HISTORY GROUP In 2018 we would like to commemorate the centenary of the end of WW1 with stories of the men of Battisford who fought in the war and returned home. If you are aware of anyone whom we could include in our story please let us know. You do not have to know any details we will do the research. Just the name of your relation would be fine.

Please contact: Anthea Howard 675161, ([email protected]) Jane Pope 615541 ([email protected]) or Denis Wicking 770980. ([email protected])

If you are interested in joining us please let one of us know

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16 Battisford Free Church

A Christmas Playlist

Nobody announces the Christmas season it just gradually overtakes us. We are walking around a store one day, when suddenly the music has changed.

It might be "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas" "Jingle Bells" or "I wish it could be Christmas every day!". But sometimes it's a religious carol like "Silent Night", "Once In Royal David's City" or " Hark The Herald Angels Sing." I wonder what you would have on your Christmas Playlist?

As usual I want to invite you to join with us at Battisford Free Church this December - The Carols by Candlelight service is on Sunday 18th December at 6.30 PM. Please come early as this is always packed. The Children's Christmas Celebration is on Sunday 11th at 10.45 and it's a joy to see the little ones dressed in their nativity outfits. There will also be a short fami- ly service on Christmas Day at 10.00am for about 45 minutes.

But surely there is more to Christmas than singing a few carols and gazing at a nativity scene? At this Christmas season we are going to be looking at the message of 4 songs we find in the book of Luke in the Bible; this a very different kind of Christmas playlist as we consider the songs of Mary, Zechariah, The Angels and Simeon. What did they have to say about the significance of Christmas;- the birth of Jesus Christ? Then on Christmas Morning we will look at the message of that well known carol "Once in Royal David's City. It would be great to see you at Battisford this December.

God Bless you this Christmas Iain Shaddick Pastor

4th December 10.45AM Mary’s Song –What is God like? 4th December 6.30 PM

Zechariah’s Song- Why do you need God? 11th December 10.45 AM Children’s Christmas Celebration The Angel’s Song -How did God come? 18th December 6.30 PM Carols by Candlelight Simeon’s Song- How did God do it? Christmas Morning 25th December 10.00AM “Once in Royal David’s City”

17 COMBS FETE 2016

The Combs Fete this year had a 1940s theme and despite terrible weather leading up to the Fete with serious flooding at the venue it was a great success. Well done to the Committee and all those who worked so hard to prepare the field to make sure it took place. Leading up to the Fete on 2nd July was a pig race in May to raise funds and a Swing Band evening in the 1940s theme.

Some of the exhibits 18 Battisford Gardening Club Horticultural Show

As usual the Gardening Club Show was located at the Combs Fete and many thanks to the Fete Committee who made it possible. Due to flooding the Show marquee was moved to the other end of the field and we quite enjoyed our new position near the gate. We followed the 1940s theme with a display of what our Show schedule might have looked like during WW2. Some of us dressed as land army ‘girls’ and Daphne Scarff wore her Land Army outfit

R top— one of the classes with Sally Winter’s winning bowl of Begonias

R bottom—Daphne Baldry winning the trophy for most overall points—presented by Local Counciillor, David Whybrow

L bottom—Rhys Watson, aged 4, who has won the Children’s cup two years running! 19

GIANT BOOK APRIL 1st 2017 Not a sale of giant books but the largest book sale ever in Battisford! SALE! Venue is Battisford Community Centre From 10.30am—2.30pm

If you have any books to donate please call Caroline Burgoyne—01449 615442 Ann Wilson—01449 678105 who will be happy to come and pick them up Or leave in church (open all day) Books of all shape and sizes, fiction or non– fiction, hard or paper back, adult and chil- dren. In aid of St Mary’s Church Funds 20