Ashfield Churchyard Tree Works

During the next few weeks some work will be taking place on trees within the Churchyard. A lime in the south-east corner which has been leaning for sometime will be felled. To the north-east of the building the large willow will be coppiced, the need for this has come about as the result of structural damage [subsidence], it will not be removed entirely as this could result in 'heave' which could potentially create even greater problems. If anyone has any queries or concerns about these works please contact Robert Grimsey (01728 685203 or email grimsey@rgrimsey.freeserve.co.uk) who will be working with the contractor and overseeing the works.

Robert Grimsey
Secretary to the Ashfield-cum-Thorpe Parochial Church Council.

Friends of St Peter’s Cretingham

At the December Committee meeting the outline of events for the year 2004 was agreed. The fundraising activities will include, amongst other events, a Classic Cars and Gardens (13th June) and a series of guest speakers commencing with Dr Sam Newton’s talk on Sutton Hoo at St Peter’s Church on 26th April. A glass of wine in included in the entrance fee of £6 and the evening gets under way at 7p.m. Tickets can be ordered via Margaret at the Post Office.

The membership of the Friends now exceeds 70, but new members are most welcome to play an active role in the events organisation to raise money for the fabric maintenance of the church or just join to give financial support to the cause. Our treasurer, Robert Hadley (on 01728 685501) would be pleased to welcome your £5 membership fee and the rest of the Committee will make you feel very much part of the team.

Tony Whitmarsh
Chairman

Carpet Bowls

The Suffolk Carpet Bowls Association are having a promotion week on 15th to 21st March, so the members of Earl Soham Carpet Bowls Club are opening their doors on Monday evening March 15th at 7.30pm at Earl Soham Village Hall to anyone who would like to come along and have a go. For more information please phone Iris Barrell on 01728 685 342.

Iris Barrell

Ashfield Ladies Group

17^th Feb	An Unsuitable Job for a Woman (fighting crime in Suffolk)	Linda Reed and Axel
16^th Mar	Talk & Demonstration on Spinning	Sue Holditch

For further information contact Susan Hansen on 01728 685738.

Ashfield Parish Plan

Following the open meeting held late in the autumn the Steering Group has now met and the following Officers were appointed:

Chairman: Simon Garrett; 01728 685 489; simon.garrett@iee.org
Publicity: Alison Pickup; 01728 685 489; alison@pickup.demon.co.uk
Village contact: Ann Bailey; 01728 685 712
Secretary & Treasurer: Myles Hansen; 01728 685 738; myles.hansen@suffolk.pnn.police.uk
Events co-ordinator: Neville Jephcote (plus Lindsay Pearson); 01728 685 690; stillinthedarkages@hotmail.com
Volunteer co-ordinator: Lindsay Pearson (plus Neville Jephcote); 01728 685 811; lindsay.pearson@btinternet.com
Youth co-ordinator: Martin Lippiatt; 01728 685 902; lippie75@hotmail.com

The Group are currently engaged in producing the Grant application. For the latest information consult the web site: http://www.ashfieldparishplan.btinternet.co.uk/

Leisure & Learning

“Arts experience workshops” for all

The 27th “Arts Experience” workshops are being held at Stradbroke High School on Saturday 28th February.

A full day of enjoyably informal workshops for all ages and abilities. Professional artists and tutors offering demonstrations and individual help to develop skills in a range of arts activities including mosaics, wire sculpture, stained glass, willow weaving, printmaking, black sand sculpture, watercolours, African drumming, jazz & street dance, and creative writing…

Other weekend workshops this term include writers’ workshops, drums & percussion, belly dancing, the game of “GO”, drawing cartoons, ceilidh dancing, Indian head massage, and a reading group looking at 20th century writers

For further information on all the different courses and activities at the School please contact Dave Sumner on 01379 388238