What's here
Friends of St Peter’s Cretingham
Earl Soham - Rota for Altar & Roll of Honour Flowers & Brasses
St Mary’s Ashfield - Flower & Cleaning Rota
Are there gaps in your English and Maths?
Could a Grant help your Group?
Earl Soham Parish Council News
For events see also Services and Events.
It’s That Time of Year Again…..£££££££££££££££
If you receive the Benefice Magazine, in this month’s edition you will find an envelope in which to place your donations towards the production costs of the Benefice magazine. As you know no charge (unlike many other benefices) is made for the magazine, which we hope you find useful. Some of the cost of the magazine is covered by the revenues received from the advertisers (to whom go our deepest thanks) but this still leaves a sizable shortfall in the budget. It is only due to the contributions made by yourselves that we can continue to produce the magazine. Please could you make a donation in the envelopes provided. If you are a tax payer it would help considerably if you could complete the Gift Aid declaration as we can then reclaim tax from the Inland Revenue to add to the gift.
In the case of Ashfield the envelopes can be returned to Alison at Church Farm House (01728685489) or given to any member of the P.C.C. For Cretingham and Earl Soham the envelopes should be handed in at the Post Office.
Many Thanks to All
Alison Pickup (Magazine Editor)
Crib Exhibition
Plans are now nearly finalised for the Crib Exhibition. As per the earlier posting this year the Crib Exhibition will take place at St. Mary’s Woodbridge from November 26th to November 30th. Opening times will be be from 10.00 a.m. till 3.00 p.m. except for Sunday when we will be joining in the Sunday Eucharist at St. Mary’s and the exhibition will be open after the service. It is hoped that refreshments will be available in the church hall. Please try to look in; there will be many new cribs as well as some old favourites for you to see. For more information contact Clare (685778) or Alison (685489).
Friends of St Peter’s Cretingham
The eighth Annual General Meeting of the Friends will take place in the church on Monday 8th November 2004 at 7pm. Everyone is invited to attend to review the events of the year and to learn how the monies raised are spent. There are currently 76 members so it would always be nice to increase that number and if there are any budding committee members in the wings there are members due, by rota, to stand down in November.
The purposes of the ‘Friends’ are to restore, preserve, repair, maintain, improve, beautify and reconstruct St Peter’s Cretingham as a building of historical importance or architectural value, together with its contents, for the benefit of the people of the County of Suffolk and, I believe, all those who visit our lovely village. Members are thus not necessarily regular church goers but who believe in the objectives highlighted above.
Tony Whitmarsh, Chairman, Forge Cottage
Ashfield Ladies Group
16th November |
Sweet Making |
Mary Debenham |
7th December |
Christmas Meal |
|
For further information contact Susan Hansen on 01728 685738.
Earl Soham - Rota for Altar & Roll of Honour Flowers & Brasses
Oct |
Mrs H Sharpe |
685356 |
Mrs V Brumfitt |
685408 |
Nov |
Mrs D Dale |
685608 |
Mrs S Edmunson |
685221 |
If you are unable to do your flowers, please contact Margaret Buckland on 685329.
St Mary’s Ashfield - Flower & Cleaning Rota
October |
Jill Robinson |
685084 |
November |
Alison Bowman |
685489 |
December |
Jane Davidson |
685332 |
January |
Doreen Baxter |
685617 |
February |
Susan Hansen |
685738 |
March |
Margaret & John Garrard |
6857038 |
If you are unable to do your month please contact another person on the list to arrange a swap.
Are there gaps in your English and Maths?
Brush up your skills and gain a free national qualification
e-mail: Geton@educ.suffolkcc.gov.uk
What our learners say
“Coming here to English and Maths groups has changed my life in a lot of ways. I have more confidence in life. I read to my two little girls at bedtime and I enjoy reading all the time now. I feel confident in filling in forms, writing letters and reading. My English and Maths have improved a lot thanks to everyone at the Adult Education Centre.” (A learner in Ipswich)
“I am 23 and I didn’t do Maths at school so I decided to attend an evening class. The class is great. It meets everybody’s need and it is good to meet new people. I now look forward to going to Maths and it helps me in everyday issues.” (A learner in Felixstowe who has just achieved her level 1 certificate.)
Frequently asked questions
What is the new national qualification? You can gain a City & Guilds Certificate in Literacy and/or Numeracy at Level 1 (equivalent to GCSE grades D-G) and level 2 (equivalent to GCSE grades A-C)
How much do courses cost? All courses are free.
What support will I get? All our groups are run by qualified tutors, trained in their subject area of English and/or Maths. We also have trained Volunteer Tutors in some groups, who can offer more individual support when it is needed.
Can I use a computer? Computers are available in all areas. If you want to learn computer skills, we will direct you to the right group.
If you live in Ipswich or Felixstowe : Call 01473 749837
If you live in Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds, Haverhill, Hadleigh or surrounding area: Call 01449 675699
If you live in Lowestoft, Woodbridge, Eye, Stowmarket or surrounding area: Call:01502 00278 en
What happens next? You can phone your local number, email us, or write to us at:
Community Education
Castle Hill
Community Centre
Highfield Road
IPSWICH IP1 6DG
We will then contact you and arrange a meeting to assess your current skills and advise you on joining a group, or enter you for the national test at the right level for you. All groups are small and friendly. You can sit the City & Guilds test at a venue near you, or during a group session, where possible. We can also provide you with free career advice and guidance.
Camilla needs a Home
Local families are being urged to come forward to host a young exchange student from Argentina this week, after her original host family withdrew from the programme organized by international charity AFS.
Camilla Frias, 16, left her homeland for the UK in a bid to learn more about the culture and life of the country. She has already made a substantial impact on the Earl Soham and Framlingham communities following her arrival in September of this year but, sadly, she is still in need of a permanent host family.
Camilla is currently staying with a “welcome family” and learning about the English countryside. The Earl Soham-based family have really enjoyed being Camilla’s “welcome family”, in their words: “She’s a wonderful young lady, really helpful and kind and very outgoing. She’s very interested in reading and the arts, she has become part of our family and is helping our son to learn more about her culture. She has made a marvelous addition to the household, but we can only offer to her a limited experience of family life and not much contact with young people of her own age. We’re really hoping that another family will be able to welcome her, give her a permanent home for the rest of the year and allow her to continue the positive experience that she’s been having, but we wouldn’t want to lose touch, because we’ve formed strong bonds with her.”
Camilla is one of 67 students who arrived in September 2004 who will live the life of a normal UK teenager and attend school as part of an intercultural Exchange Programme run by international exchange organisation, AFS. AFS is a non-profit organisation, founded after the World Wars to develop peace through intercultural awareness and understanding. AFS operates in over 55 countries and has been arranging exchange programmes for international and UK students since 1947. AFS is the only organisation of its kind to receive a citation from the UN in recognition of its work for world youth.
Camilla is an excellent student and she is studying at Thomas Mills High School where she has been making a positive impact. Camilla is studying her A/S levels and is desperate to continue at the school. Camilla loves drama and literature and has even won a prize for one of her short stories. She explains her reasons for coming to the UK: “Since I was young I have always wanted to learn new things. I am very interested in getting know all about a new culture and to be a part of a family who will be willing to teach me more about the UK and I am hoping that they will also be able to learn something about my country and culture.”
A spokesperson for the charity said that: “This is a unique opportunity for local people to support both their home community and a world-wide movement encouraging understanding between people from different regions of the world.” Readers interested in hosting Camilla are urged to contact AFS at Leeming House, Vicar Lane, Leeds, LS2 7JF or call 0113 242 6136.
Could a Grant help your Group?
The Local Network Fund has grants from £250 - £7000 available NOW for small voluntary or community groups working with children and young people anywhere in Suffolk, who face disadvantage.
The Local Network Fund has awarded 178 grants totalling over £814,000 to groups in Suffolk, since 2002. The types of projects, which have been funded so far, include arts & sports activities, youth & children’s clubs, special needs & family support groups. Thousands of children and young people have benefited.
Do you have a project or activity that you would like to carry out but do not have the necessary funds available? If you have an idea why not discuss it with the LNF Outreach and Support officer Wendy Jephcote on 01473 242523 or to apply for an application pack please ring 0845 1130161.
Does this mean Us? - Probably Yes! Give Wendy a ring today.
Cretingham Village Committee
A Beetle Drive and Annual General Meeting was held at Kettleburgh Village Hall on 9th October when we enjoyed a great evening of fun, conversation and refreshment resulting in a sum of £96.86 being raised. Thank you to the people who made this evening a success.
The annual general meeting of the Village Committee, held during the interval, noted a successful year with a sum of £1582.38 being carried forward. This money is used in various ways for the benefit of Cretingham Village as a whole. Our thanks go to Alister Gourlay, who is taking a well-earned rest as Chairman, Jan Whitfield as Secretary, and Brian Whitfield who are all standing down as members of the Committee. The Committee for the current year is: Eric Brown (Chairman), Pauline Cobley (Secretary), Brian Pinder (Treasurer), Christine Chenery, Maggie Pinder, Joy Fox, Peter Runnacres and Sue Bache.
Please note next event: “Call my Bluff” in Kettleburgh Village Hall on 20th November to include a hot meal.
Your support and ideas for future events is greatly appreciated.
Eric Brown Tel: 01728 685520
Earl Soham Parish Council News
The accounts for 2003/04 have been sent to the Auditor.
Planning Permission has been received for the erection of a conservatory at 2 White House Cottages.
Planning permission and listed building consent for a new garden wall at Scotchmers have been refused.
The Parish Council is seeking advice from Suffolk County Council's Environment department on how to prevent further erosion of the village green.
It was agreed at the Annual Parish Meeting that the Parish Council should investigate providing dog bins in the village. These bins are very expensive but the Parish Council has provided one bin, which is situated on the footpath near the school. Please use this bin.
A grant has been received to carry out a Parish Plan for Earl Soham.
Major maintenance work on the bridge on the A1120 will commence towards the end of October and should last for six weeks. Half the road will be closed and traffic lights will be in use. The area of land beside the bridge and part of the village green will be used by the contractor for storage and office accommodation. In addition, the road in the centre of the green leading to The Rookery will be closed. Any damage to Parish Council land will be repaired on completion of the work. The Parish Council is assured by the County Council that the work being done to the bridge is to return it to its original strength and not make it stronger than before.
The Parish Council urgently requires a Web-master to run the village web-site. Anyone interested should contact the Clerk, Ann Wybar, on 685472.
Members of the public are very welcome at Parish Council Meetings. The next meeting will be held on 22 nd November in the village hall at 7.45 p.m.
Ann Wybar, Clerk (685472)
St. Mary’s Church Fabric Fund & Earl Soham Village Hall
The Earl Soham 100+ Club has been raising funds for the two buildings mentioned above for twenty five years and at the last estimate has raised in the region of £9,000 for each. The subscription is for just £12.00 per year and is given either to Earl Soham Post Office or mailed directly to me.
The total sum subscribed, after deduction of very minimal expenses, is then divided into two halves. The Village Hall and St Mary’s Church each receive one quarter and the other half is distributed in the form of Prizes to be drawn in a given month, the venue and date to be announced in the Church Magazine .
It is essential for the fair operation of the scheme that members commit themselves for a full year at a time. There is no limit to the number of those participating per household and friends and relatives not resident in the village will be welcome to take part. The Club may well interest those who formerly lived in the village and who still have its interest at heart. This is a very simple way of raising money for two worthy causes, both essential to village life and has the support and approval of both the Parochial Church Council and the Village Hall Committee .
As you may be aware at the recent Earl Soham Village Hall AGM parishioners voted not to build a new village hall and the purpose of this letter is to ask for your help in providing some much needed finance for both the village hall and the church.
St Mary’s Church project is to raise money for the re-leading of the stained glass windows and, as anyone who has sat in the draughts will know, this is a priority before the winter weather arrives.
The Village Hall is in dire need of money for the refurbishment of the men’s toilets as they are rapidly separating from the main building.
On behalf of the committee I wish to thank all those that have given so freely over the years and this letter is to introduce to the Club those who are recent arrivals to the village.
Mrs Daphne Dale Secretary Earl Soham 100+ Club
St. Mary’s Earl Soham Update
Window of Opportunity
Those who have visited Earl Soham church in the past month, WILL HAVE SEEN THAT WORK HAS BEGUN ON THE RESTORATION OF THE WINDOWS. The windows are being removed two at a time , for transfer to the workshop, and then re-instated in church. The work is hoped to be finished by the first week in December. The money to pay for the work, £18,000 plus a few, has been raised over the past few years, a very big thank you to everyone who has contributed in whatever way, playing golf, riding on miniature railways, attending concerts, laughing at outrageous stories, throwing teddy bears off the church tower, making generous one-off donations, contributing through standing order, so many people have done their bit, the list is extensive, to all of you, a very big thank you.
Clare
RIP
Norman Longstaff
The funeral of Norman Longstaff, father of Roger, took place in Earl Soham Church on Friday Oct 8th. Norman was born in Sunderland, but moved south with his family to Essex when a boy, as his father sought work. He grew up in Barkinhside and there met his wife Hannah who he married in 1943. He trained as a scientific instrument worker, a job that required great patience and precision, these he possessed in abundance, and throughout his life he was always mending something or other, from fine both china to old bangers. Army service during the war years, saw his skill as a cook develop too. He was a devoted father to his children and adored his grandchildren, who especially appreciated his teasing. He was known affectionately as "Pop", by family and friends. He lived in earl Soham with his son for a time, but his last years were spent in a nursing home in Ipswich. We extend to all his family our love and prayers. May he rest in peace.
Stanley Emeny
The funeral of Stanley Emeny took place on October 19th at Ashfield Church. We offer to Stanley's family our prayers and our love in their loss.
Stanley was born in Ashfield in 1916, he left school at the age of 12 and became a backers boy for a local farmer's wife and then went on to seasonal agricultural work. At 17 he decided to join the army and see the world, and he joined the Royal Norfolk Regiment, after a short period of initial training, he was soon posted abroad, Canada, Jamaica, India, where he served defending the British territories around the Khyber Pass. He was always one for a dare and had a good sense of humour, and when a Sergeant Major, cancelled their trip to the cinema, Stanley took revenge, creeping in at the dead of night and cutting off half of his much admired handlebar moustache.
During the 2nd World War, Stanley was posted to Singapore; he was taken prisoner by the Japanese and spent 31/2 years working on the Burmese railway and the bridge over the river Kwai. It was a time of extra-ordinary endurance, which he faced with courage, dignity and humour.
On return to England he married Mary in 1946 and settled down to family life in Ashfield. Four years ago he moved away from the village to Hoxne, his last years there were a time of happiness, making new friends and being part of a supportive and loving community. May he rest in peace.
Traidcraft Sale
Traidcraft is celebrating 25 years of fighting poverty through trade and I have been involved with them for most of that time. My annual sale at The Chestnuts, Otley Road, Cretingham, takes place on Saturday 20th November, 10.30am - 5.00pm. Everyone is welcome to drop in during the day to sample Fairtrade light refreshments and to browse round the stalls for that special gift, Christmas and other greeting cards, or simply everyday items of food, beverages and recycled paper.
Admission costs a minimum of 60p. The net profit from the event will, as usual, be shared between Friends of St Peter’s and Traidcraft Exchange. (Last year the total raised for these charities was £76, including a generous donation of £20 from someone who couldn’t attend.)
Examples of people behind the products may be found in the current Traidcraft catalogue. They include those working with Tara Projects in Delhi, a non-profit organisation working with 25 community-based groups of artisans from all regions of northern India. They have been supplying Traidcraft for 20 years and have brought many benefits to the groups they work with. These include savings schemes, healthcare, environmental education, family counselling, clean and safe working conditions, advances and help for housing. Tara has started new health education and vocational programmes for women and children and is very active in campaigning against child labour. In addition, they encourage people to take the education of their children seriously and have been active in setting up some school projects. Look out for jewellery, hair accessories, Lac decorated products and stoneware!