The Link Magazine

August and September 2002

From our Vicar

Dear Reader,

The height of summer brings out the combine harvester for its annual excursions on our roads and fields. Apart from the straw produced, there is the grain for malting and milling, seed or animal food. Sometimes its price is agreed before harvesting, sometimes much later if all the drying and storage happens on the farm.

The only time when the rest of us had to worry about bread was when the petrol tankers didn't keep the supermarket distribution network afloat. That was a sobering reminder of our dependence on oil. Harvest-time is our annual reminder of our dependence on God.

'He makes grass grow for the cattle,
and plants for men to cultivate -
bringing forth food from the earth:
wine that gladdens the heart of man,
oil to make his face shine,
and bread that sustains his heart.'
Psalm 104, verses 14,15

For the three months before I moved to Suffolk, I visited farmers and growers during my study leave. I asked them about their land, which varied from 2ft. below sea-level to 1,000ft. above, ranging from East to West, from fen to forest and moorland, and also the apple orchards and dairy farms of the South West. Markets were just beginning to re-open and the sight of the occasional deserted farmyard was poignant.

Yet the people I met were able to tell me how they are only in this place for a while, but this same land will continue to yield for future generations. They have a joy in the quality of the food they produce, and a pride in being able to maintain its supply to the rest of us. They know how dependent we all are on the length of daylight for growing, the seasons for preparing the soil and planting and harvesting. Much of this is beyond our control.
So it gives to those who work on the land and at sea a proper humility, a sense of our place in the scheme of things. Praying and giving thanks to God, we get re-connected.

May he give us humble, thankful hearts.
Linden Fletcher.

Mother's Union

After a summer of lovely outings we are not yet properly 'at home' because this month we accept the kind invitation of Somersham Baptist Women's meeting to join with them for their special anniversary service. This will be on Friday, 13th September at 2.30 pm and all are welcome.

Somersham Church Notes

Please note the change of pattern of services for August.

Our Harvest Festival service will be on Sunday 15th September at 10am. Any gifts that you care to bring along will be taken to the Women's Refuge in Ipswich. They are always most grateful for these donations.

We hope that all who are off on their summer holidays have a very pleasant break, manage to find some sun and come back refreshed - safe travelling! Good luck to all the young people waiting for their exam results, those going on to High School next term or going away to university or college for the first time in September / October. Well done to those who have just completed their degree courses and are embarking on new careers.

Have you put the date of the Summer Garden Party / Fete in your diaries yet? It's on Saturday 31st August. There will be transport to and from the fete at Park Farm House for those who would find walking up the hill difficult. Please let Pat Woolhouse, Christine Jarrold or any PCC member have any donations to stalls, raffle, etc.

A Harvest Supper will be held on Friday 20th September in Somersham Village Hall, when we hope friends from the other seven parishes of the benefice as well as Somersham will spend an enjoyable evening together.

The Childrens' Society

The time has come, once again, to have the boxes belonging to the above Society emptied.

Could box holders please, either drop them in to Sam Copping at 5 Middlewood Cottages, Offton before 30th September 2002 or take them to any Harvest Festival Service at Offton, Flowton, Willisham and Somersham where Sam will collect them.

If you need your box collecting from your home please ring Sam on 01473 657037 to make arrangements.

The Society is extremely grateful for all your efforts in filling your boxes as without you there would be no Society and very worthwhile, essential work for the country's children could not be carried out.

Community Policing

From WPC 167 Diane Porter our
Community Beat Officer
Tel: 01473 383400

Hello,
I am sure all us ladies are glad the World Cup is over -it is nice to watch something on the television other than football. Whilst the main games were on, Stowmarket was like a ghost town. (Great time to get any shopping done!)

With the summer holidays upon us now, please ensure you know where your children are at all times. Please ensure they are aware of all the dangers when playing near river, ponds, playing fields, etc. If they are using their cycles, please encourage them to wear their cycle helmets -even though it is not against the law to ride without, it is for their safety to wear a helmet when on a bike.

Thank-you to you all for supporting me at all the local fêtes, including Ringshall School, Somersham School, Crow Hall at Willisham and Baylham. I look forward to seeing you at Barking Fête on August 3rd.

Have you heard of 'shoulder surfing'? Well, please be aware if you are using a cash machine that the person standing behind may be watching you enter your 'pin number'. These people then steal your card from you and make several withdrawals within a few minutes before you realise your card has even been stolen. Please be careful.

May I thank all Mums, Dads, Neighbour Hood Watch Co-ordinators and teachers who helped run the cycle courses at Ringshall and Somersham Schools. You will be pleased to know that we had 100% pass rate at both schools. Thank-you to you all for taking part.

On Friday 6th June I received five separate sightings of a very large cat -possibly a panther -in the Offton and Great Bricett area. Yes, I hear you laughing, but we are treating these sightings as genuine. If you see anything similar, please phone 999 -don't panic as this animal will be more scared than you.

Due to all your hard work we have really been crime free except for an attempted burglary at a house in Willisham during the month of May. Please report everything to the Police, however minor, because I cannot do anything unless I know.

Once again, thank you for all your hard work.

Keep safe.
WPC 167 Diane Porter
01284 774341 Answer machine
01473 383400 or 383390 Stowmarket Police Station

Somersham Parish Council

Parish Council Vacancies
We currently have two vacancies for Parish Councillor and one vacancy for Transport Representative.

Being a Councillor for the Parish Council allows you to help shape the future for the village and improve everyday life for everyone in the village, if you have time, then please apply to be a councillor.

If you wish to find out about these vacancies or apply then please contact the Clerk to the Council.

Directory of Clubs and Societies
We would like to create a directory of all the clubs and societies in Somersham. There are probably more than we think. The purpose would be to provide each household with a copy for reference, display on notice boards and also to give to people moving into our village.

Parish Council Vacancies
We currently have two vacancies for Parish Councillor and one vacancy for Transport Representative.

Being a Councillor for the Parish Council allows you to help shape the future for the village and improve everyday life for everyone in the village, if you have time, then please apply to be a councillor.

If you wish to find out about these vacancies or apply then please contact the Clerk to the Council.

Directory of Clubs and Societies
We would like to create a directory of all the clubs and societies in Somersham. There are probably more than we think. The purpose would be to provide each household with a copy for reference, display on notice boards and also to give to people moving into our village. If you run a club or society or are a local contact for a national organisation and would like an entry in the directory, please provide the following details to the parish clerk:

· Name of club or society
· Main purpose of the club
· When and where you meet (if relevant)
· Contact person and contact details (address, telephone, email)

We would also like to create an on-line version of this list, if you do not wish to appear on the on-line list please let us know when you send in your details.

The community Action Plan asked various questions on the types of clubs wanted by people in the village. Many people replied with clubs such as an art club, drama club and various sports clubs for the children. If you wish to look into setting up groups like this then please contact the Clerk.

Village Good Neighbour Scheme
As part of the continuing work emanating from the Somersham Community Action Plan, one of the tasks is to explore the potential for establishing a village Good Neighbour scheme, to complement the existing good work of the Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

A Good Neighbour scheme can mean many things to many people. Therefore I am seeking the views of the residents of Somersham, both young and old, as to the types of services that could be required and more importantly delivered by the community itself.

Other villages have established similar schemes that:

· Provide the link between those villagers needing help and those who are willing to offer it.
· Are available as a safety net to all village residents, young and old alike
· Allow volunteers to give the time they choose, offering the skills that they are comfortable with.
· Lessen feelings of isolation and exclusion if friends and family move away.
· Can make the difference between retaining one's independence and seeing it slip away.

How do they work?

· Village residents form a small co-ordinating group to run the scheme.
· It is published in the village and a list of people willing to help is drawn up.
· Those in need of help contact the organisers.

With the best will in the world, family and friends cannot always offer appropriate help when it is most needed.

· Could you do with some help now and again?
· Could you offer some help at times that would suit you, using the skills that you feel confident with?

I would welcome your views, and if you feel you could benefit from or could contribute to such a scheme, please feel free to contact me.

This information, on a Good Neighbour Scheme, was prepared by Chris Turnock, on behalf of the Parish Council. If you wish to contact him the details follow:

Address: 'The Pightle', Church Lane, Somersham, IP8 4PN
Tel No: 01473-833837
E-mail: Turnockchris@hotmail.com

Watering Close Pond
As you will have probably seen, the Watering Close pond has now been cleared and dug out. Thank you to all those who helped with the clearing, and a special thank you to Tina Abbott for organising all of the work involved in the project.

Community Action Plan - Progress
· A handrail has now been placed on the slope from Brook Way to the Main Road
· A Community Transport/Dial-a-ride scheme has now been set-up in the village (Information in the July edition of the Link)
· A new footpath is currently being planned between the bridge near Watering Close and the Hall Lane junction, to provide a footpath through most of Somersham.

Next Parish Council Meeting
The next Parish Council meeting is to take place on Wednesday 4th September in the Village Hall Committee Room. The meeting will start at 7.30pm and is open to everyone. If you would like to know anymore information please see the Council website or contact me.
Andrew Mayhew, Clerk to the Council
Address: 21 Morgan Court, Claydon, IPSWICH, IP6 0AN
Tel No: 01473 834035
E-mail: clerk@somersham.suffolk.gov.uk
Web Site: www.somersham.suffolk.gov.uk

Somersham Carpet Bowls Club

We are about half way through the Summer League and have to report mixed fortunes so far, as the results below show.

The mats we bowl on in the Village Hall are very good and with the excellent new floor make it that much easier to get a good result, not all teams are as lucky in that some floors are not quite as flat so we have to work much harder when visiting other venues in order to try and win. But wherever we go we receive a very warm welcome.

So anyone out there who would like to try their hand at bowls would be most welcome to come and have a go.

Results for May to July 2002 -Sumnmer League

Give Bell or Keith a ring on 01473 831157 and come and see us.

FLOWTON NEWS

THANK YOU!
A tremendous vote of thanks from the PCC to everybody who was in any way involved in the preparations and running of 'The Weekend'.
The gardens, the churchyard and the flowers all looked wonderful; there were things to do or buy in each garden; the refreshments were good and well-organised; and the whole event kicked off with a great concert full of local (and related) talents. The publicity -Flowton on the TV! -and signing and posters and word of mouth brought in so many appreciative people that we raised over £3400 -which makes the Cheque for 10% to East Anglian Childrens Hospices a reasonable size.
We were pleased to meet relatives of those commemorated in the memorial window panes at the Songs of Praise on Sunday evening which concluded our weekend and are grateful to all those who have helped fund our fabric repairs.
Although there were many tired people in the village afterwards, 'The Weekend' had been a real community event and we could feel very happy indeed. Thank you all.

Suffolk Historic Churches Trust -which has helped Flowton with grants, has its annual cycle/walk on Saturday September 14th. Could you walk or cycle, or sponsor someone else to do so? 50% of the funds raised by our folk are returned to Flowton Church. Sponsor forms and details of churches open will be placed in the church porch.
We hope that the church repairs will be completed in plenty of time for the Harvest Thanksgiving on Sunday September 29th at 6.30pm and we invite everybody to come and celebrate with us at that service.

The Harvest / Autumn Supper will take place on Friday November 8th at Flowton Hall (by kind invitation of Graham and Diana Fawcus) -more details later.

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Lost and Found
A silver bracelet was found after the Flower Festival in Flowton. If you think this may be yours, please contact Mary Carter on 01473 658522.

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Patchwork and Quilting

Patchwork and quilting classes will continue in Flowton Church Vestry during the Autumn and Winter. A variety of projects are being planned. If you are interested please contact Mary Carter on 01473 658522 for more details.

Offton Church News

Dates to remember and a correction!

Saturday 14th September
is the correct date for the annual
Suffolk Historic Churches Trust Cycle Ride.
Sponsor forms available from Alison Rumsey on 658591.
(The date in last month's Link was incorrect, many apologies.)

You can be sponsored to cycle round the churches of Suffolk (or beyond) and the money raised is shared between the Trust and the church of your choice. Financial help is given by the SHCT to help with the repair of churches throughout the county and Offton is one that has benefited on several occasions. If you do not wish to cycle maybe you would like a good walk on that day. Most (if not all) the churches in Ipswich and other towns will be open to sign sponsorship forms between 10 am and 6 pm.

Sunday 15 September
Harvest Festival in Church at 6.30 pm

Do join us for this very special evening service in the Church starting at 6.30 pm. All gifts of produce given to celebrate the festival - flowers vegetables and other foods - go to the Salvation Army as usual for distribution.

Saturday 21st September
Whist Drive
in Offton and Willisham Village Hall

This annual whist drive in aid of Church funds starts promptly at 7.30 pm refreshments are served.
Come along and take part.

Somersham Cycle Speedway Club

The biggest meeting for the Stars last month was against mighty Southampton in the British Team Championship. Probably the strongest side in the country, featuring British and World champions, they were always expected to win, although Somersham worked hard to make it as difficult as possible. It was their first visit and they seemed to enjoy the raceway and
hospitality. Final score 61-118.

The Stars should have found the clash against Kesgrave easier but a series of on-track mistakes made for a disappointing 72-108 defeat. Poor gating was our downfall and Gary Brown our only race winner. We also lost the meeting against Gt. Blakenham, 77-102, but this was a much better effort, with the Copping brothers Steve and Barry giving some top names a run for their money.

We finally picked up another win after a close and somewhat controversial encounter at Eaton. The home side were short of riders but did have the referee on their side! This was a good team effort with the Stars finding the Eaton circuit to their liking, winning 82-85. Unfortunately Peter Mittell took a heavy tumble when challenged from behind, and picked up leg and shoulder injuries as well as writing off another helmet.

Away from league racing the first round of the East Anglian Grand Prix took place at Colchester with several Somersham riders taking part. Andy Turnbull took the Under-10 honours while Andy Mittell rode well for second in the Under-16 group. This pair also took 4th in the Suffolk Junior Pairs series.

The next meeting at Somersham is August 4 against Hawbush at 11:00 while on August 10 the British Under-19 championship takes place at nearby Gt. Blakenham.

(01473) 831474 ovalking@yahoo.com
www.btinternet.com/~SomershamCSC

Somersham and District Gardening Club

AUTUMN PROGRAMME

SEPT 9TH VILLAGE HALL 7.30PM
FRANCIS MONT
'Hardy Geraniums'

OCT 14TH VILLAGE HALL 7.30PM
ROD LEEDS
'Bulbs for all year'

NOV 11TH VILLAGE HALL 7.30PM
JULIAN FLOOD
'Climbing Plants'

DEC 9TH VILLAGE HALL 7.30PM
Social evening

MEETINGS HELD IN SOMERSHAM VILLAGE HALL. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
Jeff and Sheila Welsh 01473 657345
Angela Shelmerdine 01473 831661
Angie Osborn 01473 831422,

Why not join us? New members are very welcome.

The Golden Link

The Golden Link is running a coach to Clacton on Friday 20th September leaving the bus shelter at 10 am and returning at 4pm from Clacton. This coach is adapted for easy access and to take wheelchairs.

We have about 20 spare seats available. Please contact Joy on 831823 or Betty on 748279, or any Golden Link member, if you would like to join us.

Betty Game

Benefice Choir

The Choir will be meeting in September to practise for the Harvest services. Practices take place in Flowton Vestry at 7.30pm and have been arranged for Tuesday 10th and 14th September.
We would welcome more members -particularly sopranos.
Hopefully we have a new accompanist for Christmas so we look forward to performing some new work. Contact Mary Carter on 01473 658522 for more details.

WILLISHAM CHURCH NOTES

August Services
Please note that there is only one service at Willisham Church during August -9.30am Holy Communion on the 4th August. For full details of services within the Benefice, please refer to the rear pages of this issue of The Link.

Sponsored Bicycle Ride
The 21st Ride takes place on the14th September. Money raised is divided equally between the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust and your own church. If you can help to man the church, or would like to take part in the ride, please contact Frances Gilson on 658387 for further details.

Dates for your diary
This year's harvest festival takes place at 3.00pm on Sunday the 13th October.

Fireworks and Bondfire evening arranged for Friday the 1st November at Crow Hall.

Details of this year's fete will appear in the next issue of The Link.

SOMERSHAM BROWNIES

By the time you read these notes, our summer term will have finished, hopefully with a BBQ and video evening.

In addition to the normal badge and journey work, we went to the Ipswich Gang Show, walked (in the rain) to Nettlestead Church, for a Teddy Bear's picnic and had a pond dipping and bird watching evening. We also joined approximately 100 other Brownies and Rainbows at Castle Farm, Offton for a Jubilee Street Party, which included treasure hunts, a bouncy castle and parachute games. Our thanks to Anne and Paul Chapman for providing such an ideal venue.

Our new term will begin in September and we have spaces for new recruits, aged 7-10. For further details contact Frances Gilson on 01473 658387.

HADLEIGH CHORAL SOCIETY

The new term's rehearsals will begin on Tuesday 3rd September at 7.30 - 9.30pm in the Drama Hall, Hadleigh High School, for a concert, which will be preformed on Saturday 23rd November. Whilst the ability to read music is desirable, no auditions are required.

The autumn term's concert has an Italian theme with Monteverdi's Beautus Vir, Puccini's Messa di Gloria and a selection fromVerdi's Four Sacred Pieces being performed. The spring term will move from Italy to England for a performance of Alan Ridout's Canticle of Joy and Elgar's Music Makers, on Saturday 12th April, 2003.

If you are interested in joining us, please contact the Secretary, Peter Sankey (tel: 01473 822872).

CHURCH SERVICES in our 8 linked parishes
Please check with a Churchwarden if you think that a mistake has been made in this listing.
-but be aware that services are different for the holiday period. We wish you all a time of refreshment and renewal.

August 4th Trinity 10

August 11th Trinity 11

August 18th Trinity 12

August 25th Trinity 13

September 1st Trinity14

September 8th Trinity 15

September 15th Trinity16

September 22nd Trinity 17

September 29th Trinity 18/Michaelmas