The Link Magazine

Within their own village, people feel safe and are known. If someone is not around for a while, others will ask where they've got to. A young member of my family was describing a village he really likes, some four or five miles from his home. "What makes it a good village?" I asked. "A pond" was the instant reply. The list extended to trees to climb (by the pond), food of an unusually wide range in the shop, and then to the Tarzan-type amenities on the playing -field. But the pond is where any of them can see who else is there, prop up their bikes, and exchange observations on life in general.

A shared sense of community is something we experience as we trust in God's love for us. We may not know the other people, but we can see God's character being formed in their lives. As we worship Jesus Christ, there is an inevitable drawing together of those who are being made more like Him. God creates community, gives rise to family likeness.

We speak of 'the global village' where it's impossible not to know what's gong on, far around the world. In community, may we be sure where we are known and looked-out-for, each and every one.
Linden Fletcher

From The Registers:

Welcome to:

Freddie Edward Steward, son of Peter & Helen Steward of Griffin Hall, Bricett, who was baptised in Offton Church on 18 May 2003.

Jade Molly Smith, daughter of Dean and Helen, who was baptised at Somersham Church on 1 June 2003.

May they grow in faith

Farewell to:

Vera Margaret Mee (aged 80 years), of Brookway, Somersham, whose funeral took place on 3 June 2003.

May she rest in peace

Mother's Union

Once again Miss Dorrell has been kind enough to invite us all to her home in Ipswich for our meeting on Wednesday, July 9th. We will have our Wave of Prayer service and, as usual, Joan will give us the latest news of her international work amongst young people. And if the weather is kind, we will be able to have a wander in her lovely garden. Transport will leave Somersham at 1.40 pm.

Bible Readings and Psalms for our Sunday Worship taken from the Revised Common Lectionary. It is good to be sharing the reading of Scripture with Christians - both Catholic and Protestant - across the world.

6th July Third Sunday after Trinity Green
Ezekiel 2.1-5 Psalm 123
2 Corinthians 12. 2-10 Mark 6. 1-13

13th July Fourth Sunday after Trinity Green
Amos 7. 7-15 Psalm 85. 8-13
Ephesians 1.3-14 Mark 6. 14-29

20th July Fifth Sunday after Trinity Green
Jeremiah 23. 1-6 Psalm 23
Ephesians 2. 11-22 Mark 6. 30-34, 53-56

27th July Sixth Sunday after Trinity Green
2 Kings. 4. 42-44 Psalm 145. 10-19
Ephesians 3. 14-21 John 6.1-21

CHURCH FLOWER AND CLEANING ROTA

Somersham

July 6, 13 Flower Festival
20, 27 Pat Woolhouse

June cleaning Team C

Flowton

July 13, 20, Mary Carter
27 Veronica Munson
& all help for concert

June cleaning Mr and Mrs G Watkins

Offton

July 6, 13 Mrs Leita Minns
20, 27 Mrs Janet Crickmore

June cleaning Mrs Langford

Willisham

July 6, Mrs Fisher
13, 20 Miss Taylor
27 Mrs Cage

June cleaning as above

Somersham Church Notes

Many thanks to everyone who supported Christian Aid Week by leaving their envelopes at designated collection points. Nearly £108 was sent off to Christian Aid from Somersham.

The Flower Festival & Open Gardens Weekend 2003 - It's almost upon us! See advert elsewhere with all the details, but there's always room for more helpers over the weekend, even if it's only for an hour or two. If you would like to join in, please ring Pat Woolhouse or Christine Jarrold. We hope lots of visitors will enjoy the gardens and the church, as lots of hard work has been going on over many weeks to make the weekend a success.

Gardening Club

After a delightful evening visit to the woodland gardens at "A Place for Plants" in May and to three gardens in Willisham in June, the Gardening Club returns to the Village Hall on July 14th at 7.30pm to hear guest speaker Ric Staines telling us how to make the most of plant propagation.
On August 11th we visit White Hall Plants, a real plants man's nursery.

Somersham Football Club

We held our AGM in the pavilion on Wednesday 15th May.
All the officers from last season agreed to carry on for 2003/4:

It was agreed that match subscriptions should remain the same for the coming season and travel expenses and arrangements continue as at present. Training for the coming season will start on Tuesday 15th July at 7.30pm. Last season training sessions lasted throughout the season with an average of 14 at each of the 47 sessions.

We hope to have a "Fun Day" and barbecue on 26th July.

We are also working closely with the Community Association on the proposed development of the playing field, and two or three members of the club are hoping to go on coaching courses so that we can help develop the younger element of the club in the future.

Our main requirement for the coming season is for another team manager, as David Sillett's work commitments will mean that he will have less time to devote to managing. Any offers? We would also like an assistant for each of the managers, to help on match days. Now that we have so many local youngsters playing for the club, maybe a few of the parents might like to get involved.

We held our Annual Presentation Dinner Dance at the Limes Hotel, Needham Market on Sunday 25th May, when 80 players, officials and friends enjoyed a very pleasant evening's entertainment, ably MC'd by chairman David Sillett. After the meal the presentations were made and they were:

Congratulations to them all, and to all the players of Somersham FC. There were also presentations or thanks to Ray Smith (training & fundraising), Rachel Knock (bar), Jan Nielson (Laundry), Sandra Ottaway (arranging dinners & helping with admin.) and Julia Smith (helping with Race Night).

The formalities over with, the disco carried on until 1 am. Most people can even remember going home afterwards.

We have a new sponsor for next season. Andy Hawes, owner of the Limeburners pub, has agreed to buy the club a new strip, so one of our team will be playing with "The Limeburners" emblazoned on the shirts. Thanks Andy.

Well, that's it! These will be my last notes for the club. I don't have any day to day involvement now, apart from marking out the pitch, so next season Allan Chester, who has played for the club for several seasons and is the players' representative, will take over. I shall be marking the pitch for the last time next season, which will be 50 years since I first played for the club. Enough is enough, although I shall still be keeping an eye on them from the touchline.

Dennis Mumby

SOMERSHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Website: www.somersham.suffolk.gov.uk

Somersham Parish Council

July 2003

Councillor Posts

The Parish Council is still in need of new councillors.

If you:
" are interested in helping the village progress through the 21st Century
" want to make sure your views are heard by the district and county councils, as well as the government
" want to represent your village to help with local issues

Please contact the Clerk to the Council, for more information on how to become a councillor.

Annual Parish Meeting Notes

The Annual Parish Meeting was held on Wednesday 7th May 2003 at 7.50 pm. Brief notes of the meeting follow:

Chairman's Report

• We have gained two new councillors, Richard Browne and Vic Pryke, but have also lost two councillors, Tina Abbott and Mike Shelmerdine.
• Thanked Colin Burrows of the Neighbourhood Watch and other parishioners who have helped over the past year.
• Commented on PC Diane Porter's work through the year, who has now been replaced by PC Kevin Shields.

County Councillors Report

• Suffolk County Council have been rated a "Good" authority in a national inspection by the Audit Commission.
  
• Suffolk County Council have introduced the SID (Speed Indicator Display) scheme to prevent speeding on the roads. The system gives a friendly warning to speeding drivers.
  
• Improvements are also being made in the County's Social Services.

District Councillor's Report

• Mid Suffolk District Council are currently piloting a new twin wheelie-bin service which will be rolled out to the rest of the district in the near future.
  
• A handy man service has been introduced for the elderly in private homes. (Contact Mid Suffolk District Council for more information)
  
• MSDC wish to continue working with parishes over local issues.

Police Report

• New community police offers, such as PC Shields, have been introduced to the Mid Suffolk Sector of the Suffolk Constabulary.
  
• There has also been a new Chief Constable, Mr Alaster McWhirter, and he has said he is committed to the Suffolk First strategy, to make Suffolk the safest county in England and Wales by 2006.
  
• Maximisation of foot patrols, under the "Patrol First" initiative.
  
• The police have attended 84 incidents in Somersham since March 2003.
  
• There is still a problem of speeding in Somersham. PC Shields has used SID, and will be using it again the future.
  
• There have been complaints about parking in Mill Lane. PC Shields is monitoring this problem.

Somersham Town Land Charity

• The balance for the Land Charity for 2002 was £768.65, without the allotment rents, and with no expenditure.
  
• Despite advertising, there have been no requests for money, from the "poor and needy", who are the main benefactors of the charity.
  
• The Land Charity will consider requests from local organisations.

Please contact the Clerk to the Council, if you feel you could benefit from a donation from the Somersham Town Land Charity

A copy of the full minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting can be obtained from the Clerk to the Council, or from the Parish Council website.

Thank You

Thank you to all of the members of public who attended the Annual Parish Meeting in May. I hope that the website presentation was very informative, and if anyone in the village has any ideas on how to improve the websites in the future please contact the Clerk to the Council, and I will be happy to look into it.

*******************

Parish Council Meetings

Our next Parish Council meetings are on:

Wednesday 2nd July 2003 at 7.30pm
In the Pavilion

Wednesday 3rd September 2003 at 7.30pm
In the Village Hall

It is very important that the people of the village get involved as much as possible in the running of the village, so attending the meetings is a very worthwhile thing to do, you can help the village move forward.

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 Primary School

Hope everyone had a good time at the Summer Fair?

It's that time of year where we have to say goodbye to the Year Sixes; they are off to Claydon High, probably without a backward glance, which is, actually, what we want. One of our jobs at Somersham is to prepare them for their next big step in life. So, "you lot", work hard, be good to your new teachers and most of all have fun. We shall miss you (or will we?)

At the end of last half term we said goodbye to the longest serving member of our school. Mrs Adams finally decided to spend more time at home. The sentiments from some of the children were very touching as they remembered how Mrs. Adams had helped them to read and gain confidence with in their school life. We're sure there's many of you out there will be thinking the same thing and wish Maureen a happy time doing more of what she wants.

If you did come to the Summer Fair you will have seen the strange goings on the field. The mounds you saw were made from the spill from the new playground, these are going to form a natural play area for the children. It has been planted with native flowers and grasses and hope to make a copse of hazel, mountain ash, guilder rose, damson and crab-apple. This will also make a natural habitat for insects, the study of which is a part of the children's' curriculum.

Who on earth you may ask is taking on this task? Well, a huge thanks must go to Rebecca and Ed Downie, Paul and Hayley Marsburg and their team for all the hard work. It might take a while before it looks anything but will be wonderful when it does. While we talking about it, where the pond was will be a butterfly garden. Lovely!

F.O.S.S.

While I am writing this the Summer Fair hasn't happened, but here's hoping the weather was as beautiful as always and everyone had a wonderful afternoon.

A big thanks go to our judges who very kindly judged the entries to the Flower/Produce Show and of course everyone who entered the classes. Thanks to all the people who donated prizes for the raffle, your contributions were gratefully received; thanks to Ernie with his sound system (Ernie is the Disco man!); thank you to the school staff and relations who gave their time to man some of the stalls and of course thank you to Mrs. Freeman for the wonderful "Phoenix" which went with the Harry Potter game.

We have just had our first Bingo session. It was a big success and we hope to hold another one before the end of term, watch out for the posters.

To finish this school year we shall be holding the annual Leavers Disco with the Year Sixes as guest of honour. We wish them lots of fun in their new venture.

Thank you to everyone who has helped in any shape or form in the last school year who has helped FOSS raise the much need funds for the children of Somersham School.

THE STARS - Somersham CSC

The Stars are still seeking their first win of the season after a haphazard start to the season. At
Ipswich, Barry Copping and Gary Brown were both unbeaten but without a full squad Somersham went down
unsurprisingly 90-76.

At the tiny Hethersett track we were again shorthanded but the 110-54 scoreline hid some good performances. Andy Mittell had a great race holding off the challenge of former British Champion Phil Howells, while Barry Copping showed he is finally learning to ride a tight line. This completed a good weekend for the Somersham pair as both were selected to race for East Anglia against the Midlands.

New signing Ray Pike made a promising debut at Kesgrave, but the Stars rarely ride this track well
and lost 112-67.

Our round of the East Anglian Grand Prix was well supported with 56 riders enjoying the summer
conditions. Stars riders saw success with Mittell using home track advantage to win the Under-16 final
from the back while team-mate Lee Ridgewell was 3rd. The seniors was full of hard luck stories with an
astonishing 6 lost chains, but Brown managed to avoid the curse and finished 3rd. Football star Jason Dozell was on hand to present the trophies and his 2 sons raced their first cycle speedway heats in the
Under-10s.

July is a busy month with home league fixtures on the 1st (19:30), 6th (11:00) and 8th (19:30). Anyone
interested in racing is welcome to have a spin on the track after meetings.

you can contact us via (01473) 831474, e-mail ovalking@yahoo.com or take a look at the
new Somersham Cycle Speedway website:
www.btinternet.com/~SomershamCSC

I write these notes having spent the afternoon instructing a Cycle Safety Course at Somersham Primary School; hopefully I will be able to say next month that all those taking part have successfully completed the course.

All children should be made aware of the dangers that can await them whilst cycling on both busy and quiet country roads and how to ensure that they do not put themselves and other road users at risk. But before your child goes near a cycle, let alone the road, please ensure that the cycle is safe to use. Too many children are riding cycles with brakes that either only just work or maybe don't work at all, or seats that are too high or low. Don't wait for your child to tell you as they may not know anything is wrong. Spend a few minutes checking your child's cycle; it may save their life.

On the crime front I have 2 events to tell you about:
Most recently an attempt wad made to enter a domestic garage at Somersham at about 5am on June 2nd, the offenders were seen to leave in a small car when challenged. On May 12th, also in Somersham, in Chapel Lane, an attempt was made to enter a "tack Store" in a stables during the period 11am to 2 pm.; no entry was gained. If you keep horses please ensure your tack is well secured.

On the complaints front the topic of the moment seems to be the moped riders around Somersham, Flowton and Offton. To those of you with mopeds or scooters, or with youngsters who ride them, please ensure that you comply with the Highway Code at all times; don't ride around in large groups - it is dangerous, and don't ride aimlessly around residential areas. It may seem like fun to you but causes annoyance to residents. A word of warning - if you should have "L" plates make sure they are there and visible. If you have bought your son or daughter such a machine, please ensure that they use it responsibly and as with cycles, make sure the vehicle is roadworthy at all times.

By the time this is published we will be in the middle of the village fete and open garden season. Please make sure your property is secure as these events can attract unwelcome visitors looking for insecure properties or vehicles. Also a reminder that if you take your dogs to any events don't leave them in the car - on a hot day temperatures can soar and your dog may not survive it. If it is reported, entry WILL be gained to ensure the animal's welfare.

If you know anything about the incidents mentioned in these notes please contact me on 01473 613500 Suffolk Police Headquarters or 01473 383390 Stowmarket Police Station.
My deputy, should I be unavailable, is PC 619 Mike Gwyn who is based at Stowmarket and can also be contacted on the numbers above.

Thank you
Kevin Shields Community Police Officer

To go to the Suffolk Police web site please click here

Flowton Church News

New Church Signs
The PCC are grateful to the anonymous donor who commissioned Nicholas Carter to carve the two beautiful wooden signs to replace the temporary plastic signs. Thank you very much.

Dates for your diary
At the recent PCC meeting the following dates were arranged:
Friday October 17th Harvest Supper at Flowton Hall by kind invitation of Graham and Diana Fawcus
Friday October 24th 8.00pm next PCC meeting
Saturday November 15th 7.30pm Quiz Night in Burstall Village Hall, in aid of Church Funds
Saturday December 6th 10.00am-12 noon Christmas Coffee Morning and Sale
First Wednesday of each month, beginning in September will be a drop-in coffee and chat session in the Vestry - see below.

Christian Aid

Thanks to everyone in Flowton who contributed so generously. The sum of £157 was raised.

Coffee Morning

Gordon and Frances Southgate would like to thank everyone who helped and supported their coffee morning for Sue Ryder Care. A wonderful total of £349 was raised.

Somersham Brownies

Unfortunately our appeal for more members has not been successful and, as such, Somersham Brownie Pack will close at the end of this term. The pack was officially registered on the 12th March, 1969 and since then scores of local girls have been enrolled as Brownies. For many years we have had a full Pack of 24, with a long waiting list, but during the past two or three years the numbers have fallen and we are no longer viable as a unit.

Hopefully, at some time in the future, Somersham brownies will be able to re-open and the tradition for Guiding continue in the village.

Frances Gilson

WILLISHAM CHURCH NOTES

Evening Walk
More than fifty people met at 6.00 pm on the 24th May to participate in the second Evening Walk organised on behalf of Willisham Church by John Minns. After we had been divided into two groups, lead by John Minns and Richard Last, we set off on our 5 1/2 mile walk, to Middle Wood, Offton and on to Little Bricett and Tollemache Hall before returning to Willisham, via Offton Castle and church. Information sheets and commentaries meant that all local landmarks and places of interest were pointed out. Some very heavy rain at the halfway point did nothing to dampen our enthusiasm, and we returned to Derrick Hill to partake in some excellent refreshments.
Our sincere thanks to John and Richard for organising he walk, and to Leita, Jenny and helpers for providing such a feast. Thanks also to everyone who took part or gave a donation - an amazing sum of £300 was raised for church funds. Watch this space for details of next year's walk.

Coffee Morning
Thanks to everyone who supported the coffee morning at 9 North Acres. £112.50 was raised for church funds.

Willisham Church Guide
We have currently exhausted our supply of church guides and a new one is currently being prepared by Maureen Fisher. Whilst the pcc was considering what information should be included Rosemary Cage made the discovery that our present church was dedicated 125 years ago this May. We have, therefore, decided that our Songs of Praise on 13th July and our fete on the 19th July will reflect this anniversary.

Church Fete - Saturday 19th July
Please see separate poster for full details of the fete - prizes are required for the tombola and raffle, plus help on the day. If you are able to assist please contact Frances Gilson.

Offton Church News

Harry's Room: On Sunday 25th May during our service at Offton Church Archdeacon Terry Gibson dedicated the new extension that provides a great opportunity to use the church for community occasions. The wording on the framed inscription near the door reads:

' The extension to Offton Church (affectionately known as "Harry's Room") was built in 2002. This was made possible through a wonderful gift from Harry Crick who died in 1999 having lived for most of his life in the village. Many parishioners and others gave generously to complete this project.The extension was dedicated on 25th May 2003 by Archdeacon Terry Gibson.'

As Treasurer of Offton Church I would like to thank especially all those who responded to our appeal. Offton people have always been so generous when help is required and with this very special event in our church history it has once again been the support from you that has made it possible following the initial legacy from Harry. The design of the building and the materials used seem to have blended in beautifully with the ancient Grade I listed building. Thank you all very much indeed. Paul

FESTIVAL of TALENTS

On Sunday 11th May Offton Church was filled to capacity. The occasion was "The Festival of Talents".

There was such a wonderful display of talent by people of varying ages. The Festival included recitations, the playing of many different musical instruments, singing by the Choir and solo singers. There was also audience participation during the rendering of the Offton Song. The applause which greeted each and every turn was truly deserved and everyone enjoyed the whole Festival. Paul Chapman (whose wife was described as a 'gem' in the Offton Song) brought the proceedings to a close by playing "We'll Meet Again."

Thanks go to all who put in such effort to make it so enjoyable.
IP

Another thank you - Festival of Talents. May I thank all who took part; Irene Potten has written about the event (above) and I just hope that many of you will be prepared to take part again.
Paul

Many thanks to everyone who supported Christian Aid Week by leaving their envelopes at designated collection points. £51.12 was sent off to Christian Aid from Offton.

OFFTON AND WILLISHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Following the May elections, the members of the Parish Council remain unchanged with the exception of Mr David Tingley, residing at Davenport Lodge, Fisk Pightle, Willisham, who was warmly welcomed to the Council at its meeting on 19th May. David takes the place of Roy Holloway on the Council.

The Audit Commission's appointed nominee, Lubbock Fine, have finally got round to approving the Council's accounts for the year ending march 2002.

The new notice board for Willisham is to be kept locked, but David Tingley will put up local notices if they are pushed through his letterbox.
Pip Sands Parish Clerk Tel 01449 721173

Offton Drama Club:

The first Offton Drama club took off on June 2 with a great start. The 18 people of mixed ages and experience worked well together to make some really good improvised work. There certainly seemed to be enough enthusiasm to continue on a regular basis and so the village hall has been booked again for Monday 7th July.

If you would like to take part please simply turn up on the night. In addition to some further improvisation we hope to start work on some scripted scenes.

Somersham Baptist Church

Flower Festival and Open Gardens 2003.

As part of our contribution to the weekend the chapel will be open from 3-5.00pm on Sunday 6th July with teas and cakes being served. Battisford Praise and Worship Group will be joining us for the afternoon with music and song.

There will also be an opportunity to find out about family connections with Somersham Baptist Church in the past 175 years and survey our graveyard records. Do come along to what we hope will be a pleasant and enjoyable afternoon.

You are also very welcome to join us for our regular meetings as follows:

Regular meetings (excluding Sunday 6th)

* Junior Church for School Years 1-6.

Ladies Meetings

Women's Fellowship 2.30pm Friday 13th June.
Friends and Neighbours 7.45pm Monday 16th June, Margaret Mellor Handbell Ringing.

Children and Young People
(Held during term time)

Yr. 1-6, Wednesday Club 6.30pm.
Yr. 9 on, 14+ Friday 8.00pm, (at present we are full, but we are keeping a record of those who wish to join.)

Christianity Explained: Six sessions, which deal with Jesus, Salvation and becoming a Christian, to find out more contact Mark.

Somersham Baptist Church, Chapel Lane,
Somersham, IP8 4QE

Contacts;
Pastor Mark Newcombe 01473 831940 e-mail mark.newcombe@btinternet.com
Colin Low 01473 464833 or Edwin Mayhew on 01473 658100. Web site www.somersham.com

CHURCH SERVICES in our 8 linked parishes
Please be aware that service times and Sundays have changed -please check with a Churchwarden if you think that a mistake has been made in this listing.

July 6th Third Sunday after Trinity

July 13th Fourth Sunday after Trinity

July 20th Fifth Sunday after Trinity

July 27th Sixth Sunday after Trinity

August 3rd Seventh Sunday after Trinity