SUFFOLK HEIGHTS BENEFICE NEWS

COMMUNITY NEWS MAGAZINE FOR CHEDBURGH, CHEVINGTON, DEPDEN, HARGRAVE, HAWKEDON AND REDE

2 Feb - Candlemas

FEBRUARY 2021

Rector: Rev Dr Simon Hill 01284 850857 [email protected]

Reader: Barbara Hill 01284 850857

SUFFOLK HEIGHTS BENEFICE NEWS February 2021

Welcome to the first edition of the SHBN for 2021. Thank you to everyone for your contributions over the last year and we look forward to receiving many more in the coming months.

We are very keen to have photographs of what has been going on in the Benefice. In fact the lack of communal events in lockdown makes them all the more valuable so don’t be shy about sending in photos! Please DO NOT SEND PDFs if it can be avoided. Only Word docs, Publisher files or Jpegs.

The deadline for the March 2021 edition is 5pm Wednesday 17th February 2021.

[email protected]. t

Contents Page

February Services 3 ADVERTISING RATES: Rector’s Letter 4 Rain Matters 7 To advertise in this magazine, please Book at Bedtime 10 contact Jill de Laat on 01284 850463, Chedburgh News 11 or email Little Teapots 12 Local Services/For sale 17 [email protected] Chevington News 19 £65 per quarter page per year Chevington Parish Council 24 Depden News 26 £130 per half page per year Depden Parish Council 28 Specifications: Hargrave News 29 1/4 page - 8.5cm x 5.5cm (3¼” x 2¼”) Hawkedon News 34 Portrait Rede News 36 Rede Scribe 37 1/2 page - 12cm x 8.5cm (5” x 3½”) Landscape Hartest Gardening Club 43 ADVERTISEMENTS 43 All images must be jpeg 150dpi Useful Numbers 63 Mobile Library 64

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BENEFICE SERVICES IN FEBRUARY

Due to the changing nature of lockdown at the moment it is difficult to plan church services accurately, so for the latest information of Benefice services can you please refer to the information on the Benefice website,

suffolkheights.org

EDITOR’S LETTER

Dear Reader, Happy New Year. Suffolk Heights Benefice News has come through 2020 and out the other side in good shape. Thank you to everyone who sends in their articles and to all our advertisers who are helping to keep us, and the country, up and running. And massive thanks to the network of deliverers who make sure your copy falls through your letter box each month. This month I have had some time off. In the grand tradition of Radio 4’s Today programme this edition has a Guest Editor. Jamie Robertson has been at the helm making sense of the bits and pieces as they flood into the inbox. It’s not a quick job and the pressure is always on not to inadvertently miss something out or get it in the wrong place. But he rose to the challenge and hopefully is not lying down in a darkened room as you read this. We have a book review this month and if anyone would like to submit one for future editions, please do so to the usual email address. And don’t forget that we now have a complementary website at www.suffolkheights.org where you can find details of services, histories of our benefice churches and updated news.

I wish you all a very happy 2021. Jill de Laat

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LETTER FROM THE RECTOR

A Rectory Mardle

It’s Twelfth Night and I’ve just finished saying Morning Prayer for the Christmas season. As I closed my prayer book I found myself reflecting that I wouldn’t be saying these seasonal prayers again for another year. And I thought about the year ahead, hoping that when Christmas Day comes around once again (I’ll let you count the number of days), our loneliness will have passed and our fears subsided, because once again we will be able to hear the angels sing. I should perhaps explain that there are particular prayers for each of the Church’s seasons (of which there are nine in Common Worship). Christmas is the shortest – just twelve days, so if you blink, it passes you by and you stumble into the season of Epiphany, rudely awakened by a camel. Back to this morning’s Morning Prayer though: the refrain for the set psalm of the day (Psalm 48) is, ‘We have waited on your loving-kindness, O God’. We are interminably waiting at present, hoping to receive the summons for our vaccination. But as I turned this rather selfish thought around, I found myself praying for the countless angels through whose loving hands care is being extended to the thousands suffering at this time. I’ve quoted before the theologian who said that God chooses to be God through our humanity. All those working across our health services today, testify to this truth.

Caring I find this third lock-down particularly irksome because I’ve re-watched all the ‘exciting’ programmes and films on Catchup – Spooks, Line of Duty, James Bond, and I find myself scraping the barrel. One morsal I’ve just finished is COBRA. I won’t spoil the story line in case, in desperation, you too whittle the hours away watching this political drama unfold in the aftermath of a natural disaster, where each episode spirals further down into the misery of anarchy. But I did reflect on the fact that in our own ‘real’ national crisis, what prevails is the most astonishing caring for one another across our communities, far surpassing those acts of selfishness and uncalled for behaviour that grab the headlines. I hope, when we look back on these appalling times, it will be the countless acts of kindness that will be remembered. In the meantime, I’ll search for Z Cars on the box.

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Guidance I rely on Google Images to find illustrations for our Zoom services on-line. Idly I typed in ‘Epiphany’ and one image caught my eye. It was a silhouette of the three wise men riding their camels across a bleak landscape across which, written in large script was, ‘Let us be Magi’. And I thought, ‘right on’. We too are called on a journey, a journey where we need guidance especially through bleak landscapes. I’ve sometimes talked about us being actors and actresses in God’s Play. We are not the audience. We have our part in God’s Play. If our props are the gold of our potential, the frankincense of our prayers, and the myrrh in our humanity, what about our costume? St Paul wrote, ‘Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive …. as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity (Colossians 3.12-15). Right on. So many are grabbing just these garments, restoring our wholeness. A huge thank you to you all.

Grumps I’ve just purchased a new iPad. There’s nothing wrong with my present one but its iOS isn’t compatible with on-line banking requirements. Anyway, my new iPad arrived, unpacked eagerly, only to leave me puzzled because there’s no on/off button. Later that evening our two grandsons zoomed us. I managed to answer the summons but then spent the next ten minutes trying to work out how to find the picture to the background of my grandsons’ laughter as Grumps lived up to his name. Highlight of the week. Managed it in the end, though I’ve no idea how.

Candlemas Candlemas looms (2nd February). A wonderful festival. Its proper title is the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple. The festival celebrates the occasion when Mary and Joseph take Jesus to the Temple where they are met by the old priest Simeon, who prays that wonderful prayer we call the Nunc Dimittis. But the other character in the story, Anna, the prophetess is often overlooked. Yet she sets the tone for the Church’s mission. So excited, despite being well into her eighties, she rushes out to tell everyone who will listen the wonderful news of Jesus’ birth. That God’s promise to share in our humanity that we might dwell in his divinity was being fulfilled before their eyes. Anna’s a good role model for our churches today. Must find a way to celebrate the festival as a fellowship. Going to try a Zoom meal. By the time you read this you may still be recovering from the experience.

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And then Lent. Ash Wednesday (February 17th) marks the start of what may be a really long forty days (excluding Sundays) to Easter Day. I can’t quite get my head around looking to Lent this year. My head is too full of rambling thoughts as I glance back to Christmas. But I will and I will turn around and look forward to our journeying together to an Easter Day praying that this year may shine more brightly than any other most of us can remember.

Simon Getting Help and Support

Lockdown is not easy. Many people are under huge pressure, feeling alone and abandoned. It’s no shame to ask for help. Here is a list of useful contacts who will be able to give you advice to help you get you back on your feet.

Home, But Not Alone: Supporting clinically vulnerable people gain access to medication, food and community support: 0800 876 6926 Suffolk Advice and Support Service: If you need to talk to someone about your finances and how you can access help please call the SASS service on 0800 068 3131 NSFT & Suffolk Mind: If you need to talk to someone about your mental health and wellbeing please get in touch with NSFT: 0300 123 1503 Suffolk Mind: 0300 111 6000 First Response: If you or someone you know is in mental health crisis please call First Response 0808 196 3494 Domestic Abuse Helpline: Are you a victim of domestic violence and abuse? Call the Suffolk 24-hour Freephone Helpline 0800 977 5690. Are you hurting the one you love? Choose to stop. The Respect Phoneline 0808 802 4040 Physical activity: Visit Keep Moving Suffolk for ideas to improve yours and your family’s physical activity levels. www.keepmovingsuffolk.com The Source website: Information and advice for young people in Suffolk, visit https://thesource.me.uk Emotional Wellbeing Hub: Support for young people, call 0345 600 2090 or visit Emotional Wellbeing Gateway Work Well Suffolk: Help with obtaining employment with coaching, employability support, skills provision and guidance. A one to one service to anyone over 18 years. You can contact the service on these sites: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/work-well-suffolk/ [email protected] https://steadfasttraining.co.uk/work-well-suffolk/ https://www.realisefutures.org/work-well-suffolk https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=hxccBOurYMM&t=95s

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Rain Matters Jamie Robertson

A lot of charts to look at as it is the end of the year— a wet one (752.5mm or 29.63 inches) ending off with the wettest month since August 2004. That said, some local meteorologists might disagree since June 2007 and August 2010 came within half a millimetre of the 125.75mm we recorded in December. We had three months with more than 100mm of rain which is unusual but not unheard of (2012 had four months). There were two days of heavy rain in December on the 3rd and 23rd. The 38.25mm was largely in the form of snow and sleet and would have set a new record in my charts — if it had not been for the 43.25mm that fell on 17 June. There seems no particular pattern established, except that the swings from drought to deluge appear more pronounced. But the seasons do not seem necessarily more extreme—summer had one month of just 2mm but also another month of over 100mm.

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FEBRUARY IN MY GARDEN

From Aggie Redpath’s Family Kitchen and Garden

Writing this in mid-January with a thick layer of sparkling frost on every surface outside, it is eerily quiet, the garden birds are not coming out to play, the rooks are not making their usual din and the pigeon wings are not making their normal rustling noise. But fear not, February is the coming month on the Calendar; aconites will be pushing through the tomb-cold earth and their flowering buddies the snowdrops will be right behind them, reminding us that Spring will be upon us in the twinkling of an eye.

Tantalising Winter is always a good time to peruse the beautifully photographed plant “Will they suit my garden, my pots, catalogues, whether online or a my unforgiving clay soil?“ hard copy. Each plant looks seductive, taken to the best advantage, a bit like supermodels languishing across the website in clothes looking so gorgeous and insouciant. I get caught every single time and realise I am not 5’10” with swishy long blond hair, so the said clothes haven’t got a hope in hell! Maybe I have learnt my lesson about the tantalising description of the plants to come, and have become much more discerning. Will they suit my garden, my pots, my unforgiving clay soil? I check their heights and spread and germination time. If they don’t tick all the boxes, my fingers do not itch to press ‘send’ on my computer and I move on. Call me fickle but I think I may have learnt my lesson.

Go for Pots In these strange times gardening has taken off big time, which is fantastic and people really are benefiting from this addictive hobby, gardening clubs are springing up and seed swaps becoming the norm. My advice, if you are unsure, is go for pots. They can be moved readily, bunched together for ease of watering, be turned into a veg garden or a cutting garden or both. Last year veg seeds were like gold dust and wartime rationing seemed to take over, every seed merchant throwing up their SOLD OUT signs on the internet, with long postal delays, so my advice is don’t tarry and order now.

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Taking photos of your garden throughout the year is an excellent memory jogger, and you can see exactly which bits are short of plants or areas where plants need dividing. My Iris sibirica are pleading with me to remember to split them this year, otherwise they will go on strike and refuse to parade themselves in their unique coat of blue next year.

Jobs for February Plant bare root roses. Plant Garlic outdoors (before the end of February). Feed garden birds and make sure water is unfrozen.

Useful websites Peter Beales - www.classicroses.so.uk . The Garlic Farm, IOW - www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk.

FRAUD ADVICE

In an initiative between government and the independent charity Crimestoppers, the public can now call a new COVID Fraud Hotline (0800 587 5030) anonymously and free of charge to report suspected fraudulent activity. It is open 24/7. Alternatively you can fill in the simple and secure anonymous form at www.Covidfraudhotline.org

COVID-19 Scams With the recent approval of multiple vaccines in the UK, these types of scam events are likely to continue as fraudsters look to take advantage of the rollout to so many people.

Never give out your personal details Cold calls regarding the vaccine are also beginning to take place – there have already been reports of scammers asking people to pay for it over the phone. If you receive one of these calls, hang up.

The COVID-19 vaccination is free The vaccination is only available through the NHS to eligible groups and is free. If you, or anyone you know, has been affected by this fraud or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or at www.actionfraud.police.uk.

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A BOOK AT BEDTIME—AND A NIGHTCAP Tune in as Jamie Robertson reads a short story each week. Jamie has so far dipped into the worlds of James Herriott, Laurie Lee, O. Henry, Somerset Maugham, P.G. Wodehouse and Rudyard Kipling. So grab a nightcap of cocoa or a snifter of something stronger and join us and Jamie every Friday and Sunday evening. Everyone welcome to sign in to the Zoom link at 9.45pm - a great way to unwind at the end of the day.

Details of the Zoom link are on our SHBN website, www.suffolkheights.org, each week.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 2021

th - Friday 5 March

World Day of Prayer is a world-wide movement led by Christian women from around the world who call the faithful together to observe a common day of prayer each year. The service has a special annual theme and this year’s service has been prepared by the women of Vanuatu, an island country located in the South Pacific. The theme chosen for 2021 is ‘Build on a Strong Foundation’.

Due to current restrictions, we will be holding the service via Zoom on Friday 5 March at 6pm. Please check the Suffolk Heights website – www.suffolkheights.org – for log in details. If you would like to participate by doing a reading during the service, would like a service booklet sent to you by post or would like to make an offering to the World Day of Prayer, please contact Jill Upton 01284 850286 or [email protected].

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CHEDBURGH All Saints’ Church

Chedburgh

FLOODLIGHTING YOUR MEMORIES

If you would like to support the cost of floodlighting All Saints’ Church, Chedburgh in memory of a loved one or to mark a significant event we ask for a contribution of £15 a week. To book please contact Christine Lofts, 850479, donations will be acknowledged in Suffolk Heights Benefice News.

The lights were sponsored in December-January by Helen and Judy in loving memory of our dear Parents, Amy and Ray Trust.

In January the lights were sponsored by Joyce and Gordon Driver.

CENSUS DAY 21 March 2021

Preparations are in hand for the 2021 Census, the national exercise held every ten years which provides information for Government to use in making decisions, for example in the funding of services. The Census will be held on Sunday 21st March 2021. All households in the country will be asked to answer a set of questions, if possible online, about everyone in that household on that day. To begin with this Census will be digital, but paper copies and support will be available for those that need it. Security is strict, both in handling your data and in making sure the process is COVID-19 safe. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) which runs the census in England and Wales, is independent from Government. Your details are protected by law and information published is always anonymous. The full record is held in a vault for 100 years before it is made available for genealogists. You will be sent an access code in the post and can fill your return in online as soon as it arrives in early March. If your household circumstances change on Census Day you can let ONS know. Guidance on completing the survey will be released in due course and you can find more information at https://census.gov.uk/

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CHEDBURGH

We welcomed back ALL children on 4th January for the start of another new year, hoping it to be better than 2020!

What a year 2020 was ….

Unfortunately we were unable to visit Glastonbury Court Care Home during 2020, but have kept in close contact with them all, sending drawings and videos of the children singing Christmas songs. The children were very excited to receive a very large hamper of goodies from them. We successfully managed to stay open to all our keyworkers during the lockdown of 2020 and with the use of our new outdoor learning hub could remain in our “bubbles”

Fundraising We had three very successful Christmas raffles this year and with some fantastic prizes, including meals out for two and an overnight stay in a pod! We managed to raise over £700 which is a fantastic amount and we can’t thank everybody enough for their support.

Learning Not even a pandemic can stop our little ones from learning. Exploring the weather and environment, the cold frosty mornings and ice forming around the garden just emphasises the awe and wonder around us. We are using the power of social media to allow us to send activities home to all families so those families that aren’t with us at the moment can become part of distance learning. As with everything Covid related things are changing on a daily basis,. We can’t thank our Early Years advisors at Suffolk County Council enough for the updates and support they have given us throughout. Finally, a very special thank you to all the Teapots staff who have been working throughout this time; without their dedication and commitment the Pre-School could not operate. From opening the doors every morning with a smile at 7.30 am to turning the laptops off in the evening, they are always there to support their families.

Stay safe…….

Jenny, Linda, Tash, Ali, Emily, Jill, Helen, Lorna, Candy, and Faye x

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CHEDBURGH

CHEDBURGH NEW YEAR NOTES

Thanks to Mike and Jackie Chester for planning the Carols on The Green again this year. To involve more of the village we were fortunate to have Polly with several members of the Chedburgh Community Choir touring parts of the village singing carols and popular Christmas songs. Children who came out had a surprise as Santa made an impromptu stop and gave away a few toys from his sack. Thanks to all who took part.

Bloodrunners BloodRunners have been very busy moving blood from hospitals as the NHS has been coping with an increased workload. Thank you to those of you who have donated your unwanted mobile phones. There must be many more lurking in drawers, or unwanted now you have the latest iPhones. Please let me know so I can pass them on to the Blood Runners. Contact me on 01284 850896, or at 12 Majors Close, Chedburgh.

Please be aware that the land owners have asked that the fields which are not Public Footpaths are not used for walking and dog exercising. They have also mentioned again the amount of dog mess, some in black bags thrown in trees and ditches which is an eyesore but also dangerous for sheep who may ingest a black bag with fatal results. Mention was made of horse riders using the fields which causes deep ruts and which again are bad news for sheep who could easily break a leg. Please respect the fields.

Good News I have now purchased a teak Memorial Bench which will be unveiled in commemoration of all RAF personnel who served at RAF Chedburgh between 1942-46. Thank you to everyone that contributed from Chedburgh, Depden and Chevington. It would be appropriate if we could plan the unveiling for May (on the delayed VE DAY 2020). I also had two benches donated which hopefully will be sited on footpath 8 near the opened air raid shelter. I do feel the teak one should have a prime position near the RAF Memorial on The Green and I will be talking to the Parish Council who own that area.

Ian Leggett

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CHEDBURGH RAF CHEDBURGH

The Building of Chedburgh Air Base

It was 1940. Worrying times when invasion was a real possibility. The Battle of Britain had just been won in the air, but now the bombing was to intensify. In this part of Suffolk we had an established RAF base at Stradishall. It was soon realised that the capacity there was restricted. A few miles along the road was a small village called Chedburgh. I say small as it had no industry and a population of no more than 100. The cottages were spread thinly and mainly along the road leading towards All Saints’ Church in Bury Road. Many were tied cottages to the local farms—Hill Farm alongside Chedburgh Hall, Street Farm in The Street, Majors Farm and Porters Farm, both in Queens Lane. Chedburgh had a pub, the Marquis Cornwallis and also a school in Chevington Road. Next to the church was The Vicarage (now Touchstone House). It was not unusual to not have running water and flush toilets in the houses, and with much of the land still relying on horses to pull the ploughs, harrows, drills and harvesting equipment, life was very much as it had been for hundreds of years. All that was about to change.

Satellite Station The men from the War Office look a long look at the large area of almost flat fields ranging from Depden to Rede and bordering the road to Bury. This would be ideal as a satellite station to RAF Stradishall. Much of the land area was in fact in Depden, but as there was another RAF base bearing that name in Essex they chose Chedburgh instead. Vast areas of farmland were requisitioned. The main contractor to build the airfield and the accommodation areas around the village was chosen as John Laing. Hundreds of workmen with lorries, track laying machines and diggers arrived. The pub would have been heaving with workmen enjoying the local Greene King beer in the evenings but in the daytime the roads would have been packed with vehicles bringing materials onto the vast site. A large amount came by rail to the small town of Clare, an important rail junction for the lines between Cambridge and Colchester. Links from there would be to Long Melford and Bury St Edmunds. From the rail stations the materials relied on road transport to Chedburgh. Bearing in mind that all the roads were narrow twisting country lanes at that time, and some not benefiting from a tarmac surface, progress would have been heavy going, especially in the harsh winters. However, the target date of opening in 1942 had to be met. And so it was. Although some of the accommodation areas were not fully finished which

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CHEDBURGH meant an uncomfortable first winter for the air crews, the airfield was ready to join the war effort.

Wellingtons and Stirlings Initially twin engined Wellington bombers and four engined Stirling bombers were assigned to Chedburgh. The Wellington was a reliable aircraft but being a pre-war design was not suitable for long distances and had a limited payload. The Stirling was a very well built aircraft, but was also very heavy

and slow. Although it was quickly found that it could withstand a lot of damage, it was an easy target and this resulted in extremely heavy losses of both aircraft and crews, earning it the nickname Widow Maker. The airfield was a three runway design which enabled take off and landings to be made in most weather and wind conditions. Approach visibility was also very good as it was on the highest part of Suffolk. A good landmark for approaching aircraft would have been All Saints’ Church at the northern end of the airfield, a welcome site for the aircrew returning from missions. At the southern end of the airfield the equally welcome site of the Marquis Cornwallis pub would have been visible.

Layout All the flying activity was on the eastern side of Bury Road, while on the western side was the administration area and accommodation and communal area. The main area, opposite the airfield, was offices, workshops, grocery store, NAAFI, social meeting and entertainment. Towards the rear of that area was the main WAAF accommodation area. (This area is now Mulberry Park). Further back from that area was more accommodation for aircrew in what is now Chestnut Crescent. Along Queens Lane, just past Porters Farm, was more accommodation in an area which is now grassland and only accessed by a private driveway marked as The Nook. A former generator room remains, tucked away in some trees. Further along Queens Lane in what is now Tudor Close and Elizabeth Drive was more accommodation, and also the Gymnasium, Squash Court and Cinema, in fact a recreational area. Almost opposite in today’s Kings Park, was a ground crew barrack section with boiler room, laundry and drying rooms. Yet further along Queens Lane on the left was more accommodation for the flying crews — Landseer House is now at the front of that area. The lane opposite is where the military put in the first sewage plant, and all the sites around the village were eventually connected.

Fuel stores A roadway was constructed from Queens Lane, behind Landseer House, which joined another accommodation area for air crew. This roadway was to transport air crew to the airfield and bring in supplies. There was also a major fuel store here, so that if the airfield fuel store was attacked fuel could still be

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CHEDBURGH pumped in. This area has recently been the subject of some excavation and gives a much clearer idea of the layout of these sites with Officers’ Quarters, Sergeants’ Quarters, Airmen’s Quarters, a fuel store, toilet and washing rooms, office, mess rooms for socialising, air raid shelters and a guard post.

Vendas Lane Some of these sites would have held as many as 180 personnel. That site was the furthest point from the airfield, the next was at Vendas Lane.

Some original buildings still remain, and some storage huts are still used, both in rear gardens and on the area alongside Bob Brown’s workshop. The area of Majors Close, on the map (opposite) referred to as the Sick Quarters, contained a hospital, mortuary and ambulance station. Across the road where we now have Lancaster Close there was yet more accommodation and air raid shelters, one just visible from the field behind the houses. The only building along Chevington Road is the former school.

RAF Chedburgh 1942—45. Key to Map opposite LANCASTER CLOSE SICK QUARTERS. MAJORS CLOSE 1) Laing type Officers’ Quarters 1) Sick Quarters 2) A type Officers’ Quarters 2) WAAF Wing 3) B type Officers’ Quarters 3) Orderlies’ Quarters 4) C type Officers’ Quarters 4) Sick Annexe 5) Laing type Sergeants’ Quarters 5) Ambulance Garage and Mortuary 6) A type Sergeants’ Quarters 6) Sergeants’ Quarters 7) B type Sergeants’ Quarters 7) Sergeants’ Quarters 8) B type Airmen’s Quarters 8) Picket Post 9) Officers’ Ablutions 10) Officers’ Latrines 11) Officers’ Latrines 12) Sergeants’ and Airmen’s Ablutions 13) Sergeants’ Latrines 14) Sergeants’ Latrines 15) Airmen’s Latrines 16) Airmen’s Latrines 17) Sergeants’ Drying Room 18) Drying Room 19) Drying Room 20) Air Raid Shelters 21) Effluent Tank 22) Picket Post

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CHEDBURGH

Chedburgh 1942

Local Services/For Sale CARER/HOME HELP Looking for 8 hours a week carer/home help. Flexible school hours £10 an hour email [email protected] or retain 07985134249

MY WEBSHOP IS STILL OPEN !! Please contact me with any questions or to place an order directly All orders either directly to your door or you can collect, whatever you prefer

Plus, all orders £30 or more get free delivery ! My mobile number is - 07702 310666 Email - [email protected]

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CHEDBURGH

PAT CLARKE It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Pat Clarke of Tudor Close, Chedburgh.

Pat passed away in hospital on the 8th January 2020. She will be greatly missed by her husband, Eddie and all who knew her.

Pat had lived in the village for 34 years and, since her retirement, had become a very familiar sight walking her dog, Jay, in the fields and lanes around the village. She would always stop and talk to everyone and she made many friends amongst the dog-walking community. Pat loved the village and it was her wish that her death should be announced in the Parish News. We know that the thoughts of many residents will be with Eddie at this difficult time. Due to current restrictions, Pat’s funeral will be by invitation only.

Pat wrote the letter below and asked for it to be published in the Parish news after her death.

To the village of Chedburgh, a thank you from Pat Clarke of 2, Tudor Close.

We moved here in September 1986 from Horringer. We had a shop, with John on his stool behind the counter (a character to be sure!); a pub which did lovely bonfire nights, Xmas cheer and meals and a school for the little ones. Now all are gone. The village slowly grew and has survived. I would walk my little dog Jay every morning and met many of you with your dogs, most of which Jay thought were OK, some not so OK. He was a bit of a Mister Grumpy! There were so many more dogs to meet, which was lovely. I knew more dogs’ names than the owners’ names! Thank you all for taking time to meet a greet us. It’s a lovely village. “I was unable to walk Jay for my last few months which saddened me but I have good memories of you all.

Thank you all.

Pat Clarke, December 2020.

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All Saints’ Church

Chevington CHEVINGTON

Parish Prayers Every week at the Sunday service at All Saints’, Chevington we pray for areas of our village and matters of local concern. Over the past few months we have been praying for those worst affected by the pandemic. As the village now endures another lockdown we continue to pray especially for the lonely and frightened and those whose lives have been blighted by the pandemic.

Building works Preparation work has begun on building the new toilets in All Saints’ Church. It is expected that building work will begin on site in February

CHURCH LIGHTING

In January 2021, the church lights were sponsored by Shirley and Clive who said: “In memory of our dear friend, Tony, who was taken too soon. We will always remember the good times, God Bless, love Shirley and Clive”

If you would like to support the cost of floodlighting the tower at All Saints' Chevington in memory of a loved one or to mark a significant event we ask for a contribution of £15 a week. To book please contact Simon Williams on 850045

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CHEVINGTON

The obvious problem for churches this Christmas was always going to be that no one knew until the last minute whether they were going to be open for the traditional services. The solution that Chevington came up with was to put on a display in All Saints’ Church explaining

what Christmas meant - not just in this country but around the world – and open it to anyone who dropped by from 20 December to 3 January.

Funding Helped by funding from the Diocesan Growing in God Fund, donations, proceeds from a produce stall and church funds, the volunteers put together and assembled over two days a series of displays round the church each with an accompanying quiz. On show were an intriguing collection of exhibits – a Decorating the crib of course, a history of Christmas Cards and Porch carols and carolers, the reason why we have Boxing Day, and an explanation of the Three Kings. There were unexpected insights into festive traditions, such as the Icelandic Christmas preoccupation with mountain dwarves, the distance Mary and Joseph had to travel to get to Bethlehem (90 miles) and the pagan origins of the Yule Log.

Volunteers Jane Romana-Powling organised the team of helpers that included James Romana-Powling, Simon and Sally Williams, Paul and Jane Thacker, Ian Cox, Nick Parson, Bob Chapman, Jamie Robertson, Michael McEvoy, The Yule Log, complete with Barbie Greenwood, Ann Sadler and (electric) flames

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Lizzie Baker, Yasmine Singh, Selena Bragg, Jen Cox, Kate White, Tony and Mary Myers and Anne Cullen.

Angels 85 angels were made by WI members and hidden around the church. Anyone who found between five and 85 angels could reward themselves with a packet of sweets. Some of the angels have been adopted by visitors. Others are still in the church asking for owners, to be given in friendship or simply used to brighten up somewhat dark times. CHEVINGTON 50 Stars were made and hung on a Prayer Tree by local pre-school children. Visitors wrote prayers on 32 of them which will be included in prayers at the Candlemas service. Over the 15 days around 150 people signed their names in the visitors’ book,

some came more than once and it’s thought many others came without

The Story of Carols and Carolers displayed in one of the south windows writing in their names. In addition to the 90 Festive Treats bags the Benefice had already donated to Vinefields Church, a further 15 full carrier bags were taken to local Foodbanks.

Here are a few of the comments left by some of the visitors: “The church looks absolutely beautiful, I found it very moving……..it really is “comfort and joy”.” “My little one is finding Angels, the older one is enjoying the flowers. Beautiful, calming Christmas event.” “It was a fantastic effort by everyone to provide most certainly “Joy” and time to reflect on how Christmas is celebrated in various countries. Plus it brought people into the church who probably wouldn’t do it otherwise.” “A lovely event to bring us cheer in the bleak mid-winter.” 21

OPENING THE CHURCH

All Saints’ Church is now open for private prayer and for weekly Sunday services. If you wish to enter the church there are instructions on the church door as to how to act to minimise the chances of Covid-19 transmission:

CHEVINGTON • A bottle of hand sanitiser is provided at the door. • Please sign the visitors’ form. This is to help track and trace if any visitors contract coronavirus. • Please use the plastic chairs for sitting and not the wooden pews. A cleansing spray is also provided. • If you pick up any guide book or prayer sheet they must be taken from the church with you when you leave.

Thank You

CHEVINGTON WI

We are still unable to have actual meetings but have enjoyed talks via our computers. In December we had a talk about the work of the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) by Simon de Laat. Simon took us through the work of the EAAA, which was started 20 years ago. EAAA is 100% a charity and receives no direct government funding and requires £13 million a year to operate. A very informative talk. Members also enjoyed a pre-Christmas chat via Zoom with a cup of tea and a mince pie.

We will continue to have talks via Zoom, etc until we can gather together. If you would like information about the WI please contact the Secretary

Susan Boor

01284 850536 or email [email protected]

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JOSEPHINE “LUCY”

THURSTON

Lucy was born Josephine Spurling in Chevington in April 1936 the youngest daughter of Joe and May and sister to Olive. Her first years were spent happily with her CHEVINGTON family in a house near the Greyhound on Old Post Office road until, as Joe was the wheelwright for the local villages, they all moved into the forge on the same road. This is where Lucy joined her mother to deliver post, telegrams and groceries around the villages. Lucy's children remember stories of the fun she had growing up and playing in the local meadows and ponds with her village school friends. Around 1954 Lucy started cycling with girl friends to

the tea dances at Wickhambrook to meet people from Stradishall airbase, where she met Charles who was in the RAF. It was love at first sight. They married in 1955 and had a reception at Chevington village hall and a wedding night in her parents’ house.

Chevington Born and Bred Last year they celebrated 65 years of marriage. They had five children, Martin, Mark, Nicola, Lisa and Scott and lived in four houses in the village in New Road, Church Road, Farrows Close and lastly Mill Road. Lucy was Chevington born and bred. She worked at Chevington and Ickworth primary schools and was very special to the children who went there. She often said that every child had something special in them however naughty or mischievous they were. Lucy loved family Christmases — large family affairs with grandparents and extended family with party games and rivalry and arguing over who had won.

Quizzes When Lucy passed her driving test nothing could stop her — with her love of cards she would attend all the local whist drives, often taking her children with her. She loved coffee mornings and was a member of most of the groups in the local village hall, including the WI, flower arranging, keep fit, macrame and more recently the sewing club. She loved quizzes, always attending the village quiz and would pick up friends and drive to local villages to be in a team. Lucy was a lady who loved her friends and her family and who was greatly loved in return. It was on Christmas Day that Lucy sadly passed away in the West Suffolk Hospital at the age of 84. She will be laid to rest next to her daughter Lisa and her parents at Chevington church. She will be sadly missed not only by her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren but by all her family, friends and villagers who knew her. 23

CHEVINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

CHEVINGTON Council contacts: Cllr Agazarian (Chairman) 07776783747; Cllr McCormack (Vice Chairman) 850277; Cllr Doyle 850734; Cllr Keegan 850628; Cllr Briggs 0778 9775157

Neighbourhood Watch: Peter Keegan, james Briggs. All Neighbourhood Watch queries to The Clerk

The Clerk: Mrs Betts 810508. Email: [email protected]

Planning Applications: Please contact PC Website https:// chevington.onesuffolk.net

FROM YOUR COUNCIL:

There has been a spate of fly tipping along the lanes that run into the village. If you see any suspicious looking vehicles leaving rubbish along the grass verges please take a note of their number plates and contact either the Clerk via email at [email protected] or contact the police via 101.

Also please take all your litter home and dispose of it in your own rubbish bins. Do not throw anything out of your car windows. We will be organising our annual litter pick for early March.

Lucy Agazarian, Chairman of the Council said: “We still have problems with dog mess and people putting their bags in the wrong bin. There is one by Church Road and the other in Depden Lane or please take it home. “Litter is also on the increase on the verges in the village, but although our annual litter pick is on hold, we can still pick up the offending articles

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ourselves, litter picking equipment can be obtained from the council and groups can be joined on Facebook to help solve the matter.”

Remember: It is illegal to litter.

VAS Machine Many of you will have seen the new VAS machine in New Road with its

smiley green face. Some of you may have seen the angry red face if you CHEVINGTON (or someone else) were going at over 30mph. This was bought from your precept and with help from Suffolk County Councillor Karen Soons’ locality budget. The new machine is very whizzy and collects lots of data about speeds and numbers of vehicles and what times of the day are the busiest. The Parish Council needs a techy who understands data collections to help us get the best from this new machine. CAN YOU HELP US? Or do you know someone who can help us? Contact any Councillor or the Clerk on the above email.

New Councillor Finally, Mark Surety joined the Parish Council right at the end of last year and is well known in the village, and we very much look forward to working with him. But we still have one vacancy on the Council. If you are keen to start the new year of 2021 by helping your community this could be the opportunity for you. Speeding and the potential building of new homes in the village are to be the Council’s focus for 2021. Contact the Clerk for further information.

Your Parish Council wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2021

Frances Betts Clerk to the Parish Council. [email protected]

Chedburgh, Chevington and Depden Oil Syndicate Hopefully you will be well stocked up with fuel to keep the heating on through February. The Syndicate’s next joint order will not now be until March. If you contact us we will try to negotiate the best price by ordering in bulk. The deadline date is 6pm on Wednesday 10th March. Prices will be negotiated by the weekend.

Call us on 07985 884172 or email [email protected] with your name, address, contact number and volume of oil in litres. (Minimum order is 500 litres)

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St Mary the Virgin Church, Depden

The church was open for private prayer in the week before Christmas. It will now be kept locked but if you would like to go there a key can be obtained from one of the keyholders.

Anne Nicolson 01284 850658 Evelyn Payne 01284 850502 Sandra Ashman 01284 852009

DEPDEN Tim Freathy 01284 852525

Please take care on the muddy footpath if you do go.

Please consult the Suffolk Heights website for details of services. We have cancelled several services in December and also in January but I cannot

predict what might happen in February. Zoom services continue to be well

supported. Details for these are on the website.

It was good to see so many people Carol Singing Round the Green before Christmas. I am sorry that the sound didn’t reach the extremities of the Green but I hope that people enjoyed it nevertheless. Thanks to Anne N. and Paul Thacker for organising this venture.

I would like to thank the Care Farm for decorating the Church for Christmas. People from the Care Farm like to walk to the church and they also help a lot with churchyard maintenance so it was sad that their Carol Service did not take place this time. We hope that all will be well for next Christmas. Several people have reported disturbance to some of the graves in the churchyard. Thank you for keeping us informed. We think that it is probably due to wild animals, most likely deer or badgers.

Evelyn Payne 01284 850502

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BEE ORCHIDS IN LAWNS

Many newcomers to our area are delighted to discover that Bee Orchids frequently flourish in our lawns. To enable them to grow it is important to find the early rosette of leaves and mark it before mowing commences. The rosettes usually appear between late January and March (sometimes earlier) and consist of up to six very shiny dark green leaves which are narrow and pointed. The leaves have veins which run lengthwise similarly to those of scillas and other bulbs (although orchids are not bulbs). The early leaves are 3-5cm long.

By May the leaves will have grown a little and a flowering spike should appear from the centre of the rosette. The flowers should appear in June or July. The flowers bear a resemblance to bees but their natural pollinator does not live in this country and a great many are self pollinated. DEPDEN Lawns may not support orchids if you use chemicals to keep “weeds” at bay.

I will be happy to help in confirming your identification. Good hunting!

Evelyn Payne

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DEPDEN PARISH COUNCIL

DEPDEN PARISH COUNCIL Chairman: Mark Leadbeater Councillors: Dennis Bibby, Peter Ebbens, Nicky Moncrieff, Andrew Rabett and Andrew Read Neighbourhood Watch Contact: Angela Barnetson, Area Co-ordinator. Telephone no. 07875

605165 email: [email protected] DEPDEN

Neighbourhood Watch: Contact Angela Barnetson, Area Co-ordinator.

Telephone no. 07875 605165 email: [email protected].

Grit Bin at Hall Close: The grit bin is for the use of residents to grit the road in icy conditions. Keep roads safe.

Need Help and Support: See this Newsletter (Page 3) for a list of organisations that will help and support you at this difficult time.

Next Door Website: Keep in touch with local news and events with Next Door Neighbourhood website: https://nextdoor.co.uk.

Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Parish Council will be Tuesday 9th March 2021 via Zoom at 7pm. Please note the time.

Website: Information about the village, including minutes of previous Parish Council meetings, are available at the website www.depden.onesuffolk.net.

Email: If you would like more detailed information concerning the Parish Council please phone or email the Parish Clerk at [email protected].

Susan Boor Clerk to Depden Parish Council Tel. 01284 850536

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St Edmund’s Church, Hargrave

THE UNDERPINNING OF ST EDMUND’S CHURCH

The work to stabilise the east wall of the chancel was completed just before Christmas, bringing a much welcomed closure to a threat that has been hanging over the church for six years. It was late 2014 when concerns were aroused that old cracks were widening and new cracks appearing between the east chancel wall and the remainder of the building.

A Long Hot Summer This was a blow to the euphoria at the HARGRAVE completion of the renewal of the north roof only a year before which had stopped years of leaking. Advice was sought from the Diocesan architect and a structural engineer, and for the next three years the movement was monitored to assess the nature of the problem. In 2018 a long hot summer drying the clay subsoil accelerated the movement to four times the rate of the previous three years, the cracks widened to up to three inches and the PCC were advised that underpinning was necessary to stop the movement which otherwise would lead to the collapse of the wall. It has been a race against time to get this essential remedial work done before structural failure threatened closure of the church.

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Restitching Over the past 15 months underpinning, drainage improvement, restitching of the cracks, resizing one window, repair of the Georgian prayer boards and redecoration of the chancel have been completed at a total cost in the order of £55,000.

Fundraising It has been a major challenge to raise the money to cover these unexpected costs but 18 months of fundraising brought support from the Listed Places of Worship Scheme, Suffolk Historic Churches Trust, our local Hargrave Charity founded 300 years ago, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Allchurches Trust, The Lord

HARGRAVE Belstead Charitable Trust, Havebury Housing Partnership, Scarfe Charitable Trust, The Alfred Williams Charitable Trust, The Garfield Weston Foundation, the Wolfson Foundation and the Taylor Review Pilot (a Government sponsored initiative). It is notable that over the past 10 years, the PCC has raised around £150,000

to attend to the repair of this grade 2* listed medieval building, with about 30% of this money raised through fundraising within our community. Thank you all for supporting our events and appeals.

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HARGIFF TALK

My brother and I were born in Suffolk and lived our formative years in Hargrave before moving on to other parts of the country for education and employment. We have however, never forgotten our roots. To paraphrase a well-used expression “You can take the boy out of Suffolk, but you cannot take Suffolk out of the boy”. Despite having lived and worked in Suffolk for my first 25 years, in later life I have never been identified by others elsewhere in the country as originating from that county purely on the evidence of my accent and the words or phrases I have used in conversation.

Mongrel accent Perhaps the fact that I later spent time in East London and then lived and worked a further 30+ years in Staffordshire and Cheshire could be the reason. That added to the fact that my mother was Yorkshire born and bred has meant that my accent and vocabulary has probably always been less West Suffolk and more mongrel, being an amalgam of influences from various regions. Indeed the only direct comment I have ever had on the subject was during a visit home to Suffolk a couple of years ago when speaking with a local who didn’t know me said “You’re from the north aren’t

you?” HARGRAVE Suffolk like most areas of the country once had a local dialect that was rich, varied and widely spoken. In the past you often did not need to be a skilled linguist to identify a person’s place of origin. Sadly as a bi -product of increased social mobility and the influence of TV and the internet only the strongest may survive.

Ranny and Yaffle

It is therefore with interest that we both read the item by Chris Hartnell relating to Margaret Slade on the Hargrave Heritage Website. For reference I copy the relevant excerpt here below: “Margaret’s interest in history also included a passion for documenting the local Suffolk dialect. Words that may Yaffle not be familiar to those from outside the county include:- ranny (a shrew), yaffle (green woodpecker), paigle (cowslip), neathouse, pronounced nettuce (cow-shed), mawther (female teenager), fleet (near the surface), bor (a way to address a friend, as in neighbour), “on the huh” (something that is uneven, tilted).”

Huh My brother Stephen was prompted to contact the Project Team with the following comments: “The brief paragraph about Suffolk vocabulary in Mrs Slade’s entry stirred

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some particular memories.... A mawther I still use the phrase “On the Huh” for something that isn’t level. “Huh” isn’t pronounced as much as breathed out if that makes any sense..... My Dad, to his dying day, referred to my brother and I as “boy” despite the fact that we had both retired! “Boy” was pronounced “boiy” with an upward inflection towards the end....”Bor” on the other hand had a downward inflection and in my experience was an East Suffolk pronunciation. Which brings to mind the phrase (by no means exclusive to West Suffolk, but told to me when I took some summer farm work)....One boy’s a boy, Two boys are half a boy and Three boys are no boy at all! Another of my Dad’s words was “squit” which is probably not as rude as it sounds. If someone, on the wireless perhaps, said something that he felt was incorrect, we would be told “Well that was a load of squit”. More generally, I have heard the village called “Hargiff” (as in Hargiff Hall) by both residents and those from outside. Widdershins, meaning anti-clockwise, is again a word not exclusive to Hargrave or indeed Suffolk, but I first heard it as a young lad playing with my gang in the old black tarred wooden barn which used to stand beside the track across Green (roughly where Pond End and Flints have been built). At

HARGRAVE this time (the late 1950’S) the barn was semi-derelict and the older lads used to scare us by warning that if we ran three times round it widdershins, the Devil would take us. We never did!!! Curiously, this is a common theme in folklore, with the Devil often replaced by the Queen of the Fairies. And finally, Woodlice were called Sow Bugs...rather sweet!”

Diddlin

All very interesting, but had this all passed me by? With the age difference (me being five years younger) perhaps the outside Suffolk influences had had a stronger effect on me. Then I sat and thought a little harder on the subject. Now I also regularly use “On the Huh”, and there were other words and phrases that occasionally creep in. Here are some that immediately came to mind, but I am sure there are more I use when not thinking: “How you diddlin or Giittin orn?” for “How are You?” “Fursdee and Satdee” for days of the week and “Yesdee and Mora” for yesterday and tomorrow. “What are you chuddering on about?” for talking or chattering. “Hull it over” meaning to throw it. “On the drag” meaning late. “Hoowage” meaning very large. “Mardie” meaning grumpy. Mardie

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“He’s a Rum Un” meaning a strange person. “Fair to Middlin” means doing alright. “Put the mockers on it” meaning causing an unintentional bad effect. “Yonks” meaning a long time. “Snouty” meaning nosy. A jasper “Jaspers” meaning wasps. “Gittin on my wick” meaning annoying me. “Worryguts” meaning someone always worrying. “Bread and pull it” meaning a very limited meal.

Fading away Some of these will overlap with other parts of East Anglia or further afield. There are also variations such as “Bread and scratch it” which apparently comes from being commonly used in the war years due to rationing. Also “squit” is used in Norfolk with much the same meaning as my brother explained earlier. Sadly many phrases will fade way and maybe only the strongest regional accents and dialects will survive to be used by the next generation. There is hope though, in my long years working in Stoke-on-Trent the common use of the word “youth” as in “You alright youth” as a greeting for any male regardless of age and “Ay up me duck” for “Hello, how are you?” has never waivered. HARGRAVE

Mid-Atlantic influence So why not do your own bit to keep the dialect alive, by adopting a few true local Suffolk phrases and committing to using them on a regular basis. After all my brother and I are doing our bit here in Cheshire and Warwickshire. If you want to learn more about the local language once commonly used in Suffolk there are of course books on the subject, but for a quick and easily understood source, why not check out Sarah Bee Blackbriar on YouTube. A Suffolk speaker, she has posted over 50 three minute blogs where she runs through the origins, pronunciation and use of Suffolk language. Also what follows is a transcript of a Bury Free Press article from around the 1990’s by Paul Chapman. Time has passed and the influence of the Mid Atlantic drawl has become even stronger. My father was well known for always turning over the TV channel when an American comedy program came on. Perhaps he knew something we didn’t?

Nicholas Newman with help from Stephen Newman November 2020.

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St Mary’s Church, Hawkedon

ST MARY’S CHURCH FLOODLIGHTING If you would like to sponsor the tower floodlighting for a week in celebration of an occasion or in memory of a loved one, please contact David Taylor on 789324. The suggested donation is £15. The floodlighting for the weeks of January 10th and 17th were sponsored by Melissa Freeman in memory of her parents.

St Mary’s Church News At this crucial time Hawkedon Church remains open for private prayer and for our two services each month. Please use the hand sanitiser on the way in and out and wear a mask.

Food Shopping in Lockdown 2.0 Struggling to get a delivery from your supermarket? The following are HAWKEDON excellent alternatives for Hawkedon:

Fresh Fish: ‘Billy the Fish’ has resumed his early morning visits to Hawkedon after his Christmas and New Year break. He has a fabulous range of fish and seafood (normally more variety than supermarkets) at what I believe are competitive prices. Highly recommended, but you do need to drag yourself

out of bed early. He’s in the pub car park at 5-45am on a Friday, and is normally gone by 6-00am. If you have any sense, you’ll go back to bed afterwards.

Milk and More: Andrew delivers to Hawkedon on a Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at around 4-30am. You will find Milk and More online.

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Accent Fresh: During lockdown, Accent Fresh now do nominated day / next day deliveries direct to your doorstep, with the option to select precisely which vegetables you want and how many. They also deliver a range of groceries. Again, you will find them online.

Hawkedon Community Helpers The Community Help team is available should you need any help. If you have lost the details or just never had them, contact Michael on 789449 or email [email protected].

Hawkedon Village Hall Hire The Village Hall is available at very reasonable rates: £60 for a full day (£40 for Hawkedon residents), £30 for a morning or afternoon (£20 for Hawkedon residents), £40 for an evening (£30 for Hawkedon residents.) For other rates and equipment hire please call for a quote. Contact Charles Wilson on 789376 or charles.wilson21@btinternet.

Hawkedon Poppy Appeal Thanks to some generous donations and despite all the 2020 restrictions, The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal achieved a total of £333.27 from Hawkedon, which exceeds the previous year’s collection!

Why Bother—A Question of Fate Right now, as you read this, you are at a point in time. The past is behind you, and is unalterable. The future is ahead, and whatever is going to

happen, is going to happen. That is also unalterable, and is as fixed as the HAWKEDON past. The only difference is that the past is known, and the future is unknown. So why, when crossing the road in Hawkedon, do you bother to look both ways before you step off the verge? The future is a fixed thing, even if it means your decision to avoid the tractor and trailer is built into that future, so is there any benefit in using up your limited conscious mind power? Most of us think we are in charge of our own destiny. The Indians are famous for their belief in fate, and part of the evidence for this is the way rickshaw riders in Delhi will pedal out into oncoming traffic without ever looking. This,

though, is not what it seems. By not looking, and making it clear that they have not looked, they are passing on the responsibility to avoid an accident to the drivers of the oncoming vehicles. The act of not looking is their best option for creating a gap in the traffic. They know, and so do I, that we can and we must take responsibility for our own futures. My problem with all this is that I have been spending too much time thinking, and now the logic of why it is worthwhile trying to alter an unalterable future evades me. So should we bother to look both ways next time when crossing the road to visit the Queen’s Head? And if so, why? MP 35

All Saints’ Church, Rede

FEBRUARY REFLECTIONS

Our lives have been turned upside down in so many ways over the last year which has meant difficult changes to our lives, leading us to do things in ways that are completely new to us. I have been reflecting on this and thinking about how some of the changes have unexpectedly become part of our lives and may possibly remain so. Perhaps a good example of this is the way Zoom is now so established and integrated into many of our lives.

Last Spring, when online and Zoom services were first starting, I remember feeling very uneasy with the idea simply because it was so alien and even a bit scary. In his inimitable way Simon Hill then got us going and by the end of May we were having our first Zoom services. We gradually got used to Zoom and, despite a few early hiccups on the way (including learning the need to self-mute!), it has become part of life for many of us. The Zoom services are also led by our Lay Elders and others and, with so many involved, the services go from strength to strength providing a wonderful opportunity to share in our worship and prayer. Being with others in this way is so important in helping to reduce any sense of isolation we may feel.

And then we of course have Jamie Robertson’s brilliant Book at Bedtime. An inspired idea, building on our newfound confidence and enjoyment and another important way of being with others in our community.

Not being able to spend time with family and friends has been difficult for all of us. Probably belatedly, Jackie and I have now discovered the pleasure of having Zoom calls with friends and even sharing a glass of wine remotely! A totally new experience, which may well continue even after we can REDE travel again to see those that live further afield. After an hour or so’s chat you have the feeling of having been with them, bringing home the value and importance of friends. Someone once said to me that a good friend is like a pair of old socks, warm and comfortable!

As I finish writing, a friend has just dropped off some masks which she has made for us, lined with the filter material from Henry Hoover bags. This filter is just a point or two below the efficiency level of ICU masks, a wonderful example of creative innovation sprung from our troubled times.

Simon Pratten

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Rede Scribe

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE !

The Way We were I think we need something a little lighter for this month and so I want to share with you some interesting little gems which have come my way via an old mildewed book. This was a type of hardback ‘annual’ containing all the issues of a magazine called “Essex Countryside” printed in 1967. This magazine was obviously aimed at a well-heeled readership since it advertised such luxuries as a new car, new furniture, yachts, a wine column, and reviewed holidays to exotic locations such as Tunisia and South Africa plus restaurant meals – all things unheard of in my family in 1967! It provides an interesting insight into how life, language and prices have changed in the intervening 54 years:

Cars – it’s All Got Cheaper. A new Cortina GT was £810 which was just under an average year’s wages (£831 in 1966). By comparison, today’s average wage is, allegedly, £31,000 (I never realised I was so below average before!). The review stated that, “it was suitable transport for lady drivers…” In another nod to the future, the Ford Motor Company was also advertising its Comutas - a battery powered “shopping car” – whatever one of those may be. One optimistic ad was selling a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow 6.2 L 8- cylinder car with Aircon for a mere £7149/6/6. This was, remember, REDE when the average wage was just £831 pa. I love the fact that they insist you still pay the sixpence at the end of that price (so £7149.35).

In today’s money it’s a mere snip at £248,742.00.

At the more modest end of the new car market, you could have a Renault 4 with “4 speed gearbox!” (so obviously this was unusual!) for £544 (£559 for the deluxe version! Sadly, it did not specify what the extra £15 would get you!) which is still a pricey £19,449 in today’s money!

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Property – Onwards and Upwards! A detached period farmhouse, two miles from Braintree with four bedrooms, a bathroom, a cloakroom, lounge, dining room, reception room, “good” kitchen, two outbuildings, double garage and a “good” garden was £10,500 which equates to £365,320 today. Sounds a bargain. Orgers Farm near Great Bardfield was for sale in 1967 at £9,750 (£339,226 in today’s cash). This was last sold in 2019 for £1,020,000!!! Futurist designed new houses near Colchester were selling for between £9,475-16,500 (£353,460 - 615,523). Today these look rather seedy and very old-fashioned, but still sell for a ‘mere’ £915,000.

The Science of Well-being Getting into the world-famous Yale University in Connecticut is tough – only 6% of applicants make the grade. So why, wondered Professor of Psychology Laurie Santos, were so many of her students suffering with depression and other mental illnesses once they achieved their dream and got there? She put on a course looking at the science of happiness and to her amazement 25% of the Yale student body turned up. The course is so popular that it is now available on-line (search for ‘the science of happiness at yale’. It will appear as a free course on www.coursera.org ). There is also a podcast called The Happiness Lab (www.happinesslab.fm or use your normal podcast provider).

The course is absolutely fascinating – for example, Who is happier – the person earning: (a) $20,000 or (b) $70,000? Who is happier – the person earning: (a)$70,000 or (b)$140,000? Who is happier – the person who won: (a) the silver medal at the Olympics or (b) the bronze medallist? REDE Which will make you happier longer? (a) A new, much improved car or (b) a walk in nature? Which will make you happier? (a) A better house or (b) coffee with

friends?

Scientific research has show that the answers are as follows: b – we need a certain level of income to be comfortable a or b – once we reach that comfortable level extra money does not make us happier b – the silver medallist is eaten up with what might have been

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(GOLD!) whereas the bronze medallist can see how close they came to getting nothing and enjoy what they did achieve! b – material goods only make us happy for a very short while despite their price or features b – once again, experiences and companionship trump money all the way!

If you got these right, you are probably a naturally happy person. If it has whetted your appetite for more check out those links and find out how you can use small, practical strategies to improve your happiness – for free! I’ll also include some of them over the next few months.

Enjoyed this? If not, send me something to publish instead - want to tell us about your achievements or pay tribute to someone special - send it to me and I will include it in the next newsletter. The address is: [email protected] or drop it through the letter box of Four Ashes by the bus shelter.

REDE VILLAGE HALL

The Village Hall has recently been refurbished and is available to hire at REDE extremely reasonable rates. Delightful setting on Village Green with very well equipped kitchen

Ideal for small family gatherings and other groups £30 for a full day, £15 for a half day Tables, chairs, etc. also available for external hire.

Complies with Government Covid-19 Secure Guidelines Contact: Lynne Custance 01284 789341

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BOOK REVIEW

‘WITCH WOOD’ BY JOHN BUCHAN

You may have read one of John Buchan’s tales of adventure and, even if not, you are likely to have seen Alfred Hitchcocks’s adaptation of his book ‘The Thirty Nine Steps’. He has in fact written numerous thrillers with preposterous plots – these are books you could roar through in an afternoon. ‘Witch Wood’ is not one of these books; it is hard to wade through until you get the hang of it; prior knowledge of 17th century Scotland and the various religious wars of the time is useful and, if you are familiar with old Scots language, that will be a big help. Sentences such as “Lambin’s and clippin’s spainin’s is ower puir a wark fro the Lord to fash wi” are tricky to understand, but you soon learn to get the general sense. But do not let me put you off! This is a fabulously rewarding read. It will challenge you to consider your approach to religious tolerance and, once you get the hang of the dialogue, the book is a real page-turner. You may be surprised to discover a number of parallels between 17th century Scotland and 21st century Suffolk, even if we do not have pagan altars and worship in the woods during the dead of night.

‘Witch Wood’ follows the story of a young priest, David Sempill, who takes up his first parish in rural 17th century Scotland. It is not long before he discovers that life for a principled young priest is not as idyllic as he had imagined. His kirk is well attended, and his parishioners appear to be a pious lot. So far, so good. But then he discovers there are strange goings on in the woods, and a number of his apparently God-fearing parishioners head into the woods to worship pagan gods. His bosses in the church put immense pressure on him to turn a blind eye as they fear antagonising the local population. David develops sympathies for a mercenary army fighting to reduce the power and influence that the Scottish Church has over the government, which further distances him from his seniors. And for good measure, David falls in love with a beautiful young girl (I have a picture in my mind of a young pre- surgery Catherine Zeta-Jones) and this relationship leaves him open to accusations of hypocrisy. Clearly, none of this is going to end well.

Today, West Suffolk has less combat to contend with and, to the best of my knowledge, there are not many pagan altars in the local woods. However, there are many different religions in the region, and more specifically

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variances within religions as to the style and nature of worship. An outbreak of the plague in 17th century Scotland has comparisons with modern life which we would not have believed a year ago. If you persevere with the challenge of the language, you will at the very least find your curiosity about 17th century Scotland is surprisingly piqued, and hopefully you learn something of your own beliefs and abilities to understand others.

Michael Pearson

CANDLEMAS AGAPE SUPPER

Join us for a Benefice candlelit Zoom supper as we celebrate Candlemas on Sunday, 31st January at 6pm.

Zoom details will be emailed to parishioners, but everyone is welcome. The information to log in can be found on the Benefice website

suffolkheights.org

.

There will be a three course supper (or as many courses as you wish to prepare) with readings and reflections in between each course.

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SUFFOLK VILLAGE LETTER PUZZLE How many village names can you find? L E A V E N H E A T H M V K U H G R U B D E H C L E I S T O N I V R I H A A I O K G Y L L U Y G K K D R O F X O B W U L G H Q T M D H O E O E M F N Q S J K T W H A T N N A M C M P K N I F L S P G O V N C H E L S W O R T H E T E L G F L T E Z O K T O F R V E S U O H E N O L J B M S E O D D B R R O S O T L L A H S G N I R G Q E R M H K L K L F T R R R H E L M I N G H A M T L A P S J E S L E O A G X N M A H G N I L K C I F H T N W I A A M H R Q A F H Y M A H N E B E D O C O O O F D P M D N D P G J A J I W N E M Y E R M N T T G W S N O T S I D N O M L E H C A X V D B F P S N I A B B Q G L A K E N H E A T H C A C K G O T I C M I I D E Y Y Q Y S R J N X S S R O D A L S R K A G L C R E I T F F A S O R E W G D M D C E D H H P D U E S I B C J T M D A L E S D I L C W L A N N E F M D J O R U A S E C T F E E L E N W A M O O S F H W E C T H C Q K T R F K N D I O K W M T T T O S A K T T Y X Y W O A L Z H E F T T E A S S O R U B O N U U T I A N M I C A N W L W Y R J R N D R N E B R A N T H A M N R M H O E V H K D U K O O R B L O H T O H D B G Y X A R M C V E U H N R W T K V M H E N G R A V E Q L C L G T T M T H H O R R I N G E R C T F C D V L S L T Acton, Groton, Onehouse, Bawdsey, Hartest, Orford, Bildeston, Hawkedon, Ringshall, Boxford, Helmingham, Rushmere, Brantham, Hengrave, Shotley, Charsfield, Holbrook, Stonhamaspall, Chedburgh, Horringer, Stutton, Chelmondiston, Icklingham, Sweffling, Chelsworth, Kesgrave, Thurston, Clopton, Lakenheath, Ufford, Coddenham , Leavenheath, Waldringfield, Crowfield, Leiston, Weststow, Debenham, Long Melford, Wherstead, Flempton, Martlesham, Wickham Market, Fornham, Melton, Wrentham Glemham, Mildenhall,

42 COMPUTER SERVICES

HARTEST AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

We are still planning the Plant Sale/ Show for May 9th, and should have more details in the next edition. At the moment, as with many others, we are erring on the side of caution and have nothing else arranged for earlier in the year. If there are any changes to this, the website and our facebook page will have the information first, so if you have internet access, please keep an eye on those - the website address is: www.hartestgardeningclub.info and the facebook page is Hartest & District Gardening Club.

Emails are also sent out every month to members if we have their address, please let Geraldine know if you don’t receive these – on [email protected], or by phone on 01787 280134.

Geraldine Ross

43 COMPUTER/GUITAR SERVICES/CAR REPAIRS

CJ Computer Services EST 2003 P S Guitars

Guitar Technician, Chevington REPAIRS TO COMPUTERS, MOBILE PHONES AND TABLETS, SCREENS AND Repairs, Servicing, Upgrades, Electrics, BATTERIES ETC., VIRUS REMOVAL, Fret Dressing, Neck Setting, etc. BROADBAND PROBLEMS, LAPTOP AND Full Professional Set Ups NOTEBOOK SET-UPS, DATA RECOVERY

ON-SITE SERVICE, CUSTOM BUILT PCs. Many promising young players give up because their

PC DIPLOMA AND LEVEL 3 MOBILE guitar feels and sounds wrong. Properly set up, even a PHONE AND TABLET TECHNICIAN cheap guitar can play like a professional stage instrument for much less money than you’d think.

TEL. CHRIS 01359 271772 Basic set up with new strings from £30 MOBILE 07717604180 Free consultation and advice WEBSITE. www.cjcomputerservices.biz Ring Paul: 07932 876756 EMAIL. [email protected] Playing guitar doesn’t have to be hard work

CHEVINGTON GARAGE 01284 850920 Motor Engineers

PROPRIETOR: CHRIS WHITEHEAD

AIR CON, BATTERIES, DIAGNOSTICS, EXHAUSTS, REPAIRS, SPECIALIST WELDING, SERVICING, TYRES

All classic and modern cars welcome

Hargrave Road, Chevington, Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP29 5QR [email protected] www.chevingtongarage.com

“A friendly local garage offering specialist welding repairs and fabrication. MOT testing and preparation, machining, white metalling, line boring and much more. From Bangers to Bentleys, all cars of all ages welcome. If we can’t get it we’ll make it, if we can’t make it forget it!”

44 TAXI SERVICES

EXCELAN CHAUFFEUR SERVICES

Excelan’s reputation has been built on personal service and reliability at affordable prices.

You will be chauffeured in comfort and safety by a ROSPA Advanced Driver.

 Airports, seaports and Eurostar terminals  Business meetings  Weddings, sporting and social events and special occasions

For guide prices and details of cars, visit: www.excelan.co.uk Or contact Peter on: 01284 789 503 Mob: 07816 663 542 E-mail: [email protected]

45 T AXI SERVICES/REPAIR SHOP

46 ELECTRICIAN/CARPENTRY

47 B UILDERS

S W General Building Sam Wreathall - your local builder offering these services  house renovation  plastering  brick work/flint work  old restoration: e.g. chimneys, old brick houses, repointing and replacing  patios  roof repairs  fascias, soffits and guttering  ground works  fencing  decking  external cladding

For more information or enquiries ring 07775090306 or email [email protected]

48 BUILDERS/ROOFING/PAINTING AND DECORATING

Mark & Kathy Building & Property

Maintenance J Rose Roofing and Handyman Building, Carpentry, Plastering, All roofing works undertaken Kitchen Fitting, Bathroom Flat roof – pitched roof – Fitting, corrugated roofing Fascia, soffits, gutters repaired Tiling, Painting & Decorating, and replaced Patios and Garden Fencing Moss clearance and roof treatment to keep moss away for 2-3 years We are fully trained and insured Please Call 01284 850948 Waste carrier’s licence Or 07920 447827 07343 651568 07387 674024 [email protected]

ADAM THE PAINTER Interior and exterior paintwork No job too big or too small Professional work at a reasonable rate

Local references available For bookings tel: Adam Krysta 07856 542905

49 P EST CONTROL/CHIMNEY SWEEPS

A. J. SOUTHGATE PEST CONTROL

Adrian Southgate 66 Fourth Avenue Glemsford Sudbury Suffolk CO10 7UA

Tel: 01787 282194 Mob: 07950 274989 Email: [email protected]

R. BRISTLEY Est. 1974 9 Collings Place · Newmarket · All Chimneys Swept · Solid Fuel, Oil and Gas · Cowls, Nets and Pots Fitted · Firebacks Replaced · Carpets Cleaned · Competitive Prices · Very Clean · Family Business · Public Liability Insurance · Wedding Car Hire – Classic White 1972 Citroën DS21 Telephone: 01638 662439 Email: [email protected] www.rbristley.co.uk

50 PLUMBING AND HEATING ARROW PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES

 Over 30 years’ experience  Friendly and reliable local service – free no obligation quotes and advice  Fully insured  No call out charge  All aspects of plumbing and heating  Oil boilers, servicing, repair and replacement.  Oftec Registered Technician No. 33100  Plumbing installations e.g. water softeners, outside taps, showers Contact Tony Ince Tel: 01284 852505; Mob: 07761 561584

51 PLUMBING AND HEATING J K Mayes Plumbing and Heating

Central Heating Systems Boiler Changes/Services Bathrooms/Tiling and more!

Telephone Justin on 07825 325584 or 787682 email: [email protected]

OFTEC registered Gas Safe Registered CIPHE membership Fully insured

ADRIAN SAYER OIL HEATING ENGINEER

ESTABLISHED 1999 BOILERS AND COMPLETE SYSTEMS SERVICED AND REPAIRED

BREAKDOWNS ALWAYS A PRIORITY 01359 220119 07956 094433

52 PLUMBING AND HEATING/DRAINAGE

MARTYN WEBB SANICLEAN PLUMBING SERVICES DRAIN AND PLUMBING SERVICES Fully Qualified and Insured Plumber Over 30 years’ Experience No Call Out Fee R. BRISTLEY Est. 1974 No Job Too Small 9 Collings Place · Newmarket Reliable and Friendly Service

· Drains Unblocked Fast PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS · Toilets, Baths and Sinks COMPLETE BATHROOM REFURBISHMENTS · Gutterings and Drainpipes WALL AND FLOOR TILING · Drain Repairs and CCTV Surveys ALL TYPES OF SHOWERS FITTED · High Pressure Water Jetting RADIATORS · CYLINDERS · IMMERSION HEATERS · · Domestic and Industrial PUMPS · BALL VALVES · SYPHONS · TAPS · SERVICE VALVES · WATER SOFTENERS · SINK UNITS · COLD · All Work Guaranteed WATER STORAGE TANKS Telephone: 01638 662439 Telephone: 01284 852554 Mobile: 07970 038404 Mobile: 07864 712055 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.rbristley.co.uk

53 T REE SURGERY

tmtreesolutions

Sectional Takedowns—Crown Thinning—Crown Lifting Crown Reduction—Stump Removal Hedge Cutting and Garden Clearance

Telephone Tom: 07961 067798 [email protected]

Tree surgery carries significant risks so health and safety is our top priority and we take our responsibilities to protect your property and the safety of our staff and customers very seriously

54 LOGS/LAWNMOWER REPAIR

JON MASON Hawkedon

SMALL LAWNMOWER REPAIRS AND SERVICING

oil, spark plugs, starter cords etc.

5 Cresslands Lane Hawkedon

Tel: 07909 766687

55 G ARDENING

GROUNDWORK Stevie Turner GARDENING SERVICES Ground Care

For all your gardening needs Grasscutting - Strimming - Grass & Hedge Cutting Weeding Strimming, Weeding Hedgecutting - Landscaping Garden Clearance General Maintenance Patio Cleaning Tree Pruning

Matthew t: 01284 851033 07789 503704 m: 07710550422 e: [email protected]

K.C.E GARDENING CAN YOU FILL THIS SPACE AND REACH A WIDE READERSHIP Grass cutting FOR YOUR BUSINESS? Hedge Cutting Ad rates: General Garden Maintenance Quarter page £65

Half page £130

All prices for 10 copies over calendar year

Contact: 07795218480 Jill de Laat

01284 810148 [email protected] [email protected]

56 DOMESTIC

57 OG ALKING EALTH AND EAUTY D W /H B

MOBILE BEAUTY THERAPIST

C.I.B.T.A.C., B.A.B.T.A.C., I.T.E.C., I.F.A., I.I.H.H.T. Beauty treatments carried out in the comfort of your own home. I am a fully qualified beauty therapist with over 26 years’ experience;

I carry out a full range of treatments including Manicures, Pedicures and Waxing etc.

To book an appointment please contact

ANITA TYAS On 07771606628 or 01284 850265

58 BEAUTY/WINE

59 P RE SCHOOL

60 PRE SCHOOL/FINANCIAL SERVICES

61 F INANCIAL SERVICES

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USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS

Emergency ………………………………………………………999

Suffolk Police—non urgent ……………………………………101

Reporting Anti Social Behaviour …………………………… 08456 034715

Crime Stoppers ………………………………………………… 0800 555 111

Suffolk Fire Service Community Fire Safety …………………01473 260586

Gas Emergency ………………………………………………….0800 111 999

Electricity Emergency……………………………………………08007 838 838

Anglian Water Emergency ……………………………………..0800 145 145

Essex and Suffolk Water Emergency ………………………….0845 782 0999

Consumer Direct ………………………………………………….08454 04 05 06

NHS Direct if GP Surgery Closed ……………………………….111

Wickhambrook GP ……………………………………………….01440 820140

...Pharmacy for repeat prescriptions ………………………….01440 823801

Samaritans ……………………………………………………(free call) 116 123

Child Line …………………………………………………………...0800 1111

Citizens Advice …………………………………………………….01284 753675

Bus Station …………………………………………………………..01284 702020

Railway Station enquiries ……………………………………...…08457 484950

Suffolk Heights Benefice News is published ten times a year by the Parish Office and is distributed by a team of volunteers. The support of advertisers in the magazine is greatly appreciated. However, the fact that an advertisement appears in the magazine does not imply an endorsement of the product or services offered. Neither do the opinions expressed by authors reflect those of the publishers.

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MOBILE LIBRARY SCHEDULE

Chedburgh – Thursday, 28 January, Thursday, 25 February, Thursday, 25 March at the Erskine Centre at 3.30–4.15pm Chevington – Tuesday, 16 February, Tuesday, 16 March, at 17 New Road 1150–1205 and Tan Office Lane 12.10pm-12.30pm Depden - 28 January, Thursday, 25 February, Thursday, 25 March at Hall Close 3.05–3.20pm Hargrave - Saturday, 23 January, Saturday, 20 February, Saturday, 20 March at Orchard End at 9.30–9.50am Hawkedon - Friday, 22 January, Friday, 19 February, Friday, 19 March at the Old Queen’s Head at 10.50–11.10am Rede - Friday, 22 January, Friday, 19 February, Friday,19 March at the Village Hall at 10.30–10.45am

BENEFICE CONTACTS

Chedburgh Heike Sowa 01440 709173 Brian Lofts 850479

Chevington Sally Williams 850045 Jane Thacker 850384

Depden Anne Nicolson 850658 Evelyn Payne 850502

Hargrave Justin Rabett 850769 Jill Upton 850286

Hawkedon Heather Phillips 789250 David Taylor 789324

Rede Simon Pratten 850078 Pam Read 789353

Printed in Wellingborough by Lonsdale Direct Solutions Ltd 64