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Athelington, Horham & Redlingfield
SPRING 2014ISSUE NO. 25
NEWS
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Specialists in vehicle diagnosticsFree local collection and delivery
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SPURLING & REMBLANCEMOTOR ENGINEERSMOT TEST CENTRE
Open: 8.00am-5.30pm Mon-Fri, 8.00am-12 noon SatBarley Hall, Laxfield Road, Stradbroke, IP21 5NQLocated on the B1117 - 1¾ mile outside Stradbroke, towards Laxfield
JUST A SHORT WORDto dog walkers... pleasecould you make sure youhave at least a torch andmaybe hi-vis gear whenwalking on roads atnight. Just because youcan see cars comingdoesn’t mean to say theycan see you or yourpooches.
And if you are walkingon farm land please makesure you have thefarmer’s permission.None of us would be toopleased if people justturned up in your frontyard or back garden. Soplease don’t just wanderin to farm yards or acrossfields.
WHILE THE WEATHER HASN’T BEEN AS BAD IN OUR CORNER OFSuffolk as in many other parts of the country it has still been a bit strange to saythe least. There have only been a handful of hard frosts and we must have hadenough rain to stave off any threats of hosepipe bans.
A short journey from Redlingfield to Athelington to chat to Evelyn about whatwe were putting in this mag provided more excitement and reversing than Ineeded. On the way I visited Fingal Street and the way back I got a good look atflood plains and water meadows doing what they’re supposed to in Eye.
I’m becoming more and more pleased that we live in High Suffolk. Lowanywhere looks a bit risky.
I’VE JUST WRITTEN A LETTER TO MY doctor and you might want to send a similar one toyour GP. It tells him not to give data whichidentifies me to anyone other than for than for mymedical care.
GP practices across England will soon berequired to supply patients’ personal andconfidential medical information, on a regularbasis, to the Health and Social Care InformationCentre. Details from your medical record will beextracted from the practice in a form that canidentify you, and will include your NHS number,date of birth, postcode etc. This programme iscalled care.data, and the information uploaded willbe used for purposes other than your direct medicalcare. It won’t be used by NHS professionals treatingyou, it’ll be sold to third parties.
If you don’t opt out your medical information willbe extracted and uploaded to the database. Onceuploaded, you will not be able to get this deleted.So if you want to opt out you should act now.
Mike Ager
Spring 2014 1
EDITORIAL & NEWS
If you would like to advertise or contribute to the magazine or have an event ororganisation you would like featured contact: Evelyn Adey on
[email protected] or 01728 628428 at Ivy House Barn, Southolt Road,Athelington, IP21 5EL; or Mike Ager on [email protected] or 01379 678835 at
Hidcote Lodge, Mill Road, Redlingfield, IP23 7QU. Athelington, Horham & Redlingfield News cannot be held responsible for thequality of goods or services advertised in the magazine. This disclaimer is
inserted purely for legal/technical reasons and can in no way be construed asimplying criticism of any supplier of goods or services.
FEATURES & NEWS
2 Spring 2014
Birds ignore the warningsTrevor Edwards welcomes some exotic visitors to East Anglia
MY FARMER’S FIXATIONwith watching the weatherforecast reached a new high
this winter as we all suffered highrainfall, high winds and high tides.The consequences are dire for manyparts of the country. Every day, thenational headlines showed inflatableboats motoring up the high streets ofvillages on missions of rescue, untilyou thought it could not get any worse.
But it did, and ended with a publicrow between the head of theEnvironment Agency and a minister ofthe Government. Croaking on and on,they merely showed that nothing getsdone as members of committees sit ontheir hands. Nobody dares admit thatEU directives require that themaintenance of wetlands comes firstand looking after farmland andcommunities a poor second. You couldget more sense out of a frog in acocktail cabinet.
AFTER A MILD JANUARY, ANDmuch the same for February, theweather forecasters are still verycautious and point out that winter isnot over. But try telling that to thebirds. Our resident song-thrush issinging away at dawn in the face of thewind and rain and all the garden birdsare in the mood for spring, rushingabout in full plumage. The bird songincreases as the males reclaim theirterritories, led in our case by twocompeting robins. The clever one ofthe two sings from inside the spaciousroof of the tin-sheeted machinery shed,where the echo makes him seem twiceas loud.
THE SHOOTING SEASON IS closed and the introduction of my newdog, Kip, has not gone well. He hasshown himself to be food mad, sexmad and very immature, which is verydisappointing as he is already nearly
A femalebullfinch
with itsfavourite
food from the ash
tree and Hardy’s one
and only red-breasted
goose
Spring 2014 3
three years old. Never mind, my wifeAnita says, he might improve nextyear. Pigs might fly.
Woodpigeons and rabbits, ourperennial targets, are for once, far lessof a problem on the farm. The mildwinter has kept the crops growing andthere is some evidence ofmyxomatosis. There is a growingmarket for wild meats and those twodishes are now joined on the menu bygrey squirrel. You can buy one on-linefor £4.50, though that will feed onlyone person and the texture is chewy toboot. I think I’ll go down to thebutcher’s as usual.
THE GAME AND WILDLIFEConservation Trust launched afarmland bird count this February todemonstrate the benefits of pheasantrearing for the wild bird population.Paul the Gamekeeper joined in andlogged 20 different species on hisOccold shoot in half an hour, thehighlight being about 120yellowhammers. This is very good
news as varioussmall birdsstruggle to getpast what isknown as “thehungry gap” atthe end ofwinter.
Apart fromthe game-bird feeding, experimentalwork has shown that grasses left toseed can help both the yellowhammerand the reed bunting at this time of theyear.
THE KNOWLANDS OF DENHAM,had good views of courting owls andexpect great things from their barn owlbox this year. The male, having caughthis vole, used it to lure his mate intothe box for some owl play andhopefully this charm offensive willproduce a large brood.
Although owls dislike strong winds,there is every reason to hope that thefemales are in good enough conditionfor breeding, unlike last year.
The next day unluckily boughtatrocious weather for the Garden BirdCount.
The Knowlands spent most of thetime waiting for the first sighting, fourblue tits, which were then quicklyscattered by a sparrow hawk arrivingon the bird table. And that, they said,was that. Continued on page 4
No room for thesheep, but theflood plain on theRiver Dove at Eyedoes its job.
FEATURES & NEWS
4 Spring 2014
Continued from page 3FEB 1ST, A RARE FINE DAY, ANDDoc Goodge and I enjoyed a goodwalk overlooking Chedgrave marsheswhere through telescopes we saw bothcommon and rough-legged buzzard.Doc Goodge, as a boy in Luton in theFifties, scrimped together £16 for hisfirst binoculars and biked out to Tringwoods to start his life-long hobby. Hisgreat skills now help me to completemy BTO breeding bird survey and wehave enjoyed endless scrapes together.
Remarkably, his sons are both settledteachers in Suffolk, disproving mygrandfather’s old saying that you can’tbreed tame rabbits from wild ones.
As well as two members of thebuzzard family, we saw both sparrow–hawk and kestrels, the latter hoveringfor prey before moving on, which is ahunting technique known as roving.Chedgrave Marshes also providedflypasts of swans and pink-foot geeseand a sighting of a very lonelyEgyptian goose. This is not a propergoose at all, more related to shelducks,and is very ungoose-like in the way itcan perch and nest in trees. But it hasconquered Europe from lovely warmAfrica and we now treat it like one ofours.
Another exotic is the red-breastedgoose and Paul the Gamekeeper hasgot one. This brightly coloured goosehails from central Siberia where itchooses to nest under the eyries ofbuzzards and peregrines. This unusualarrangement is of mutual benefit, asthe watchful goose and fierce bird ofprey help each other to ward offground predators.
FEATURES & NEWS
BIRD-WATCHING WALKS WITHthe experts of The Waveney Bird Clubare always a pleasure, not onlybecause they carry telescopes andtripods, they also get them set up andfocussed PDQ for the rest of us.
They have a happy knack of going tothe right place at the right time, buteven though their local knowledge of“where to see what” is impressive, it isto me still a dark art with a finger inthe air. Rare bird sightings are alwaysthe talk of the WBC, though someearly ones are no longer rare, such asthe avocet and the little egret, nowwell- established and breeding inSuffolk.
Over forty years ago, the collareddove was a new arrival and causedgreat excitement, but it has been sosuccessful it is no longer rare buteverywhere, like its cousin thewoodpigeon. The dove and pigeonfamily feed their young on milk, anutrient-rich paste from their crops. Itis little wonder these birds aresuccessful as the food supply for theyoung is much more reliable than thatof other species.
AUSTRALIA’S FAVOURITE WILDpig has died in a car accident. Havingdeveloped a taste for drinking andstealing beer at will from campsites,his famed campsite drinking once ledto a fight with a cow. He sadly met hisend in remote Western Australia, hit bya passing vehicle. It is not recordedwhether he had been drinking prior tothe accident.
Trevor Edwards
FEATURES & NEWS
Spring 2014 5
AFEW YEARS AGO THEREwas a nasty accident at thejunction B1077/A140 at
Brome. It was a dark filthy night andthe traffic approaching the scene fromEye needed to be warned or stopped.The policeman at the scene threw onhis reflective jacket and took a positionin the middle of the B1077 to stoptraffic.
Enter yours truly, approaching fromEye. Dipped headlights, (there hadbeen oncoming traffic), sensible, legalspeed, car recently passed MOT,everything good in the world.
There was no way my dippedheadlights would pick up thepoliceman’s reflective jacket in time togive a safe braking distance and hisuniform trousers were low visibility. Idid stop in time, just. My car didn’t hitthe policeman. I was shocked andscared. The policeman must have beenterrified.
There was an experienced driversitting next to me and his opinion wasthat I did everything right but there are
lessons to be learnt.● An extra 5mph or maybe a half pintof beer in me and there could havebeen a tragedy.● Dipped headlights do not pick up areflective jacket until the car is quiteclose.● If walking at night carry a torch anduse it to show motorists where you are.● If walking dogs or horses at night, (Ialmost drove up the backside of ahorse on a dark foggy night, a differentstory), make sure they can be seen.● If walking at night don’t expect theapproaching driver to be all seeing andperfect. It’s not like that.● As a pedestrian at night one is veryvulnerable and if walking dogs orchildren there is an extra duty of care.Be visible. Fluorescent jackets arevery good but not a complete answer.● As a pedestrian assume theapproaching driver would fail a currentdriving test or a medical and is onlydriving because he lives in a rural areawhere public transport is a pipe dream.
Chris Gibbons
There’s danger in the dark
■ NEW REEDING WOODS GROUP: January’s rain has left the woodland at PoundLane in a saturated condition, but has had the benefit of filling the pond. Thewoodland continues to be a favourite venue for dog walkers and the steering groupare pleased to see that they leave the woodland clear of litter, however recently thereseems to have been some destruction of tree guards which they have assumed is theresult of playful dogs. Please ensure that the trees are protected, as this is anamenity for all, and the saplings need the protection. At the recent Artisans Marketthe group did a roaring trade in birdfeeders and they intend to produce more to sellat future markets and craft fairs, with the proceeds used for woodland maintenance.If you would like to become a friend of the woodland or enhance your woodworkingskills please contact Mike Reeves on 668 179. Mike Reeves
IREALLY LIKE LIVING HERE, Ilike the trees, the flowers, thevegetables, the fruit and the vast,
and ever varying, skies which makeme think of being at sea. To have allthis is so much more than many peoplein the world ever have – I am trulylucky.
And the people; kind, alwaysgenerous with their time when I askfor advice. It is very rare to see anyoneangry or even impatient. Of course,like people everywhere, some do getangry and impatient but they keep itfor private times.
All this makes for a pleasantatmosphere except for one thing, I likearguing and sometimes get desperatefor an argument. If I say somethingthat another person disagrees with theywill turn away, simply ignoring what Isay. This feels like passive aggressionand is very, very annoying. Mostly Iaccept the situation and just shrug itoff but sometimes I go on needlingthem until I get a response. Then Ishout a silent whoop for joy and get onwith the debate.
To me, arguing is much more thanjust interesting fun – it is vital inunderstanding and communicatingwith others. There are three possible
civilised outcomes to an argument:first, one person will decide that theother was right; second, the two willreach a compromise solution; andthird, they will agree to disagree. Allthree outcomes leave both partiesmore aware of each other’s point ofview. Perhaps more importantly,deeper understanding enables us torealise our differences, beliefs, caresand concerns and even to love eachother more in recognising our sharedhumanity.
Puzzling about this I wonderedwhether, in a smallish community itjust feels too dangerous to argue. If itgets out of hand it might start a feudwhich could go on for years. It hashappened but I suggest that nowadaysTV, the internet and the many newvarieties of communications havemade small communities feel muchless small and so a much safer place inwhich to argue.
You may feel that I should stay inmy garden and not indulge inargument although I can assure youthat my idea of an argument does notinclude the sort of behaviour commonin Parliament. Maybe I’ll try to start adebating society. Will anyone join?
Evelyn Adey
I want a good argument
6 Spring 2014
FEATURES & NEWS
■ WOMEN, LADIES, GIRLS: It seems to me that this wonderful magazine is gettinga bit too male orientated. We need words from women, either about traditionalfemale issues; recipes, homes, children, grandchildren or any of the other thingswomen do nowadays; farming, running clubs and businesses, entrepreneuring,environment and soil sciences etc. Please write anything that takes your fancy andsend it to us. Mike and I are always happy to discuss ideas if asked. Evelyn Adey
THE HOXON HUNDREDwinter routine is one ofpreparing for the summer
interspersed with quick foraysinto the outside world. BoxingDay was such a foray. Wedanced at the Hoxne Swan andmany thanks to those of you thatturned out to encourage thedancers and players. The daywent well with dancing outsidethe pub followed by a mummersplay in the bar area.
Preparing for the summer meanssorting our venue list, (every pubvenue has to be carefully assessed, thebeer tested and the hospitality enjoyed)and deciding on which dances toperform.
Over the last few hundred years avast library of Morrris dances has builtup and is still being added to. Hoxontend to take their repertoire from theoldies and every season we look atchanging our repertoire.
This year we are adding some dancesfrom the village of Oddington to ourperformance. Oddington is a village inOxfordshire that developed a very
Bring on the summer sun
distinctive style. Come and watch us tofind out more. The village wasmentioned in the Domesday Book ashaving 16 households, 10 villagers. 4smallholders. 2 slaves, so in the 11thcentury they had enough people tomake a decent dance side, although Iexpect they didn’t have much time fordancing, They would have beenworking hard to offset the cutbacksdue to the recent European invasion.
If you fancy trying the Morris now isthe season to start so come along toour practice nights, (Hoxne VillageHall, Wednesday evening) to have ago. Chris Gibbons
Mummers in the Hoxne Swan on Boxing Day.
Spring 2014 7
FEATURES & NEWS
■ SAVE REDLINGFIELD CHURCH: Every five years each church building has acomprehensive structural examination. This is known as a Quinquennial InspectionReport and Redlingfield Church has just received its report. The news is not good.The church roof needs to be retiled and possibly roof beams replaced. Inside thebuilding part of the ceiling is unsafe and an area has been barricaded off for safety.The repairs will cost many tens of thousands of pounds, money that this little churchdoes not have. Grants will be sought but if that fails Redlingfield will probably losethe church that has served the village for over eight hundred years. Do we want thatto happen? Any ideas or comments to Michael Womack, Rector, on 388889 or byemail to [email protected] David Love
FEATURES & NEWS
8 Spring 2014
Total recall pays off with
way. InAlanBennet’s
play “TheHistory
Boys” oneboy asks the English master
“Sir, Why do we have to learnpoetry? I don’t understand it. It doesmy head in!” “It does my head in too”replies the master “I don’t understandit half the time. But read it, learn it andthink about it and one day perhaps youmight!”
I know how the boy feels and, at thesame time, I think that perhaps I ambeginning to understand what theEnglish master is saying. I know thatnow poetry seems to have much moremeaning for me than it used to and, inorder to remember it I occasionallywrite it out. Remembering is notunderstanding but there are raremoments of enlightenment –T.S.Eliot’s Four Quartets – I recentlyheard these beautifully read by JeremyIrons and at the moment he finished Iwas sure that I understood them butafter a few inconsequential, routine
The king sits in Dunfermline townDrinking the blude-red wine;“O whare will I get a skeely skipperTo sail this new ship o’mine?
O up and spak an eldern knight,Sat at the king’s right knee“Sir Patrick Spens is the best sailorThat ever sailed the sea.”
ASTOCK CHARACTER IN THE CAST OF MANY A SPY NOVEL ISthe “sleeper” meaning, as anyone familiar with the genre will know, anagent whose role is to live undercover and to do nothing out of the
ordinary, going about his or her daily routine until, at some prearranged signalthey are “activated” to carry out some task of espionage or sabotage. The sleepercan be dormant for many years beforebeing called upon.
Sometime ago I was with a group of people and we were chattingamiably when someone asked “Who isSir Patrick Spens?” Being a naturalshow off, I recited the lines above andwent on to tell the very polite andforbearing assembly that the lineswere the opening of an anonymousborder ballad. OK you say, so what?
Well nothing particularly remarkableexcept that these are lines that Ilearned (unwillingly) at school morethan 60 years ago and have had verylittle, if any, reason to recall at anytime since and yet there they were,ready for action when the signal camejust like the sleeper in the“Manchurian Candidate” or somebodyin a Len Deighton novel. I am sureyou will agree that 60 years is a longtime for a sleeper to wait, especially asfor me to remember anything is abonus these days!
So, apart from enabling me to be acomplete smartarse as mentionedabove, what is the use of poetry? Isuppose that is something which it isdifficult to pin down in any definite
■ REDLINGFIELD COFFEE MORNINGS:The final village coffee morning for thiswinter will be on Wednesday March 5 atthe home of David and Jacqueline Love,1 Abbotts Meadow, Redlingfield from10am until noon. PCSO David Faulknerfrom Suffolk Police will be attending, todiscuss the recent spate of heating oilthefts and to give some crimeprevention advice. There will be theusual warm welcome, coffee, tea, thingsto eat and a free raffle. Everyone iswelcome, no charge but a donationappreciated. Jacqueline Love■ SANTA SAYS THANKS: Thank you onbehalf of Father and Mother Christmas.We had the best Christmas yet. total of£625 was raised and sent to theChildren’s Hospice. Our grateful thanksto all who donated and we very muchhope to see everyone again nextChristmas. Janet Fisk■ FLOWER ROTA: The rota forRedlingfield - St Andrews Church isApril (Pauline Abbott) and May andJune (Anita Edwards). Oasis and tape isin the Vestry. The flowers will appreciatewatering and some replacementsduring the month. Jacqueline Love■ HORHAM GARAGE SALE: Pleasecontact Lawrence Weaver (384582) orDaphne Harvey (384216) as soon aspossible if you would like to take part.£5 per household for St Mary’s Churchfunds. Daphne Harvey■ COFFEE CARAVAN: On each firstWednesday of the month from Apriluntil October 2014 the Coffee Caravanwill return to Redlingfield village trianglebetween 10-00 am and noon. .
Jacqueline Love
Spring 2014 9
FEATURES & NEWS
poetrythings had intervened, the great insighthad melted away and I no longerunderstood; a bit like listening to BrianCox explaining particle physics!
Another question: What does poetrydo? To me it can be more effectivethan prose in quickly setting a scene orcapturing a mood.
Not a drum was heard, not afuneral note,
As his corse [corpse] to therampart we hurried;
Not a soldier discharged hisfarewell shot
O’er the grave where our hero wasburied.
The opening verse of the “Burial ofSir John Moore after Corunna” byCharles Wolfe. These few lines tell youthat things have not gone well for theBritish force and that the commandingofficer was being buried with somehaste and without the usual ceremonyfor so senior an officer. Then there isthat clever, clever word “hurried”where we would have expected“carried”. That’s poetry! It can be freerthan prose in the choice of words butstill keep, if not reinforce its meaningeven though in other ways it is moretightly disciplined.
In the end though, something poetrycan do as well as anything else is tocheer you up! Just think of thoseimmortal lines; There was a younglady of Redlingfield, While milking acow that wouldn’t yield…I’m sorry butI can’t remember the rest of it!
Neville Butcher
FEATURES & NEWS
10 Spring 2014
STRADBROKE & DISTRICTBranch of the Royal BritishLegion are commemorating the
70th Anniversary of the D-DayLandings with a special concert.
Concert Overlord at Stradbroke Highon Saturday, May 31st will feature the‘world-renowned’ SheringhamShantymen.
Tickets, which are £5,are available fromBernard Mills(01986 798 414)at 21, The
D-Day remembered withOrchards, Laxfield, Woodbridge,Suffolk. IP13 8EE, with a SAE,cheques to: Royal British Legion(Stradbroke Branch), or from the PostOffice Stores in Horham or RolfeButchers in Stradbroke.
Doors will open 7pm for 7.30pm andthere will be a bar and draw.
The Sheringham Shantymen wereformally launched in 1990 havingstarted singing some two years earlieras a group of local lifeboat men andfriends celebrating the 150thanniversary of the private sailing andpulling of Sheringham lifeboat the‘Augusta’. To find out more about the
The SheringhamShantymen in action.
DISS AND DISTRICT BRANCH OF RAFA: 2013 was another successful year for Dissand District branch of the Royal Air Forces Association. They raised a total of £5267for Wings Appeal, the fund which supports RAFA’s charity work. This was the highestamount they had raised for three years. Although the main fund-raising effort is inSeptember members are busy throughout the year. They are grateful to Diss RugbyClub where they collect twice a year and Old Buckenham Airfield, where they set upa stall during open days. The branch, which covers an area of North Suffolk -including the three villages served by this magazine – as well as part of SouthNorfolk around Diss, meets on the fourth Monday of the month at the GrasmereClub, Diss at 7.30pm. You are welcome to come along or if you wish to find out moreabout us you can phone our secretary, Mrs Marilyn Hurst on 643108, or view ourwebsite www.onesuffolk.co.uk/DissandDistrictRAFA. Present or former RAFpersonnel or their families who need assistance can contact our welfare officer, JohnBlagden either through the website or on 643179. Brian Ager
Spring 2014 11
FEATURES & NEWS
■ NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH: Is yourneighbourhood watch giving you whatyou want? If you have ideas about whatRedlingfield neighbourhood watch,(NW), should be doing then pleasecontact me. There have been recentpersonnel changes in our policingstructure and so now would be a goodtime for a new coordinator to take overand give our NW an overhaul. Anyvolunteers? Chris Gibbons (678169)■ REDLINGFIELD VILLAGE QUIZ: Thenext quiz is scheduled to be onSaturday 5 April 2014 at the Old Schoolin Horham. The date has yet to beconfirmed. The cost will be £5 perperson with up to four in each team.The evening includes food. Proceeds toRedlingfield Church. There will be a barand a raffle. Contact Christine Stanfordon 01728 628474. Jacqueline Love■ HORHAM LENT LUNCH: St Mary’sLent Lunch is Thursday, March 13, atViewfield House, The Street, Horham(opposite Denham junction) by kindinvitation of Gail and Brian Marsh.Lunch is £5 per person for churchfunds. Daphne Harvey■ REDLINGFIELD LADIES’ LUNCH: Thenext Ladies’ lunch will be on Friday 11April at the Coachhouse in Thornham.If you would like to attend pleasecontact Linda on 678984.
Jacqueline Love■ POPPY APPEAL: The house-to-house collection for the British LegionPoppy Appeal in Horham andAthelington raised £318. Many thanks tomy helpers Mrs Annie Harvey, MrsMelva Huggins and Mrs Elizabeth Hall.
Janet Fisk
RBL concertSheringham Shantymen visitwww.shantymen.com.
LAST YEAR ENDED WITH A BUSYtime for the branch with thepresentation of the RBL poetry awardsat Stradbroke High School, theChristmas carols and lunch at Laxfield“King’s Head” (The Low House) andthe special commemorative serviceorganised by standard bearer andwelfare officer Joyce Cooper.
A collection at the service at HorhamBaptist Church raised £525 for thePoppy Appeal.
AT THIS YEAR’S ANNUAL Suffolk County Conference Thebranch was represented by treasurerBernard Mills, the official delegate,branch secretary Rev David Streeterand Joyce Copper who carried thebranch standard.
BRANCH MEMBERSHIP STANDSat 76 and the next event is the annualbranch dinner on Thursday March 27that Stradbroke Community Centre,12.30pm for a 1pm start. All memberswill receive a letter about the event –postage has been sponsored byHarrison Edge estate agents from Eye.The branch continues to meet on thesecond Thursday of the month at theLaxfield “King’s Head” starting at11.30am with guest speakers. Wewelcome anyone interested in theLegion.
Branch Chairman, Michael Burton
12 Spring 2014
POLICE REPORT
GARDEN AND SHED SECURITYGates: Solid wooden gates offer easyentry for thieves because they are sturdyto climb and tend to be tucked away atthe sides of houses. Make these harder toclimb by covering them with a panel sothere isn’t an obvious foothold.
Unlikely though it may sound, wroughtiron gates may be a far more effectivedeterrent. Their ornamental ironworkmakes climbing difficult and anyintruders can be seen through them. It’salways wise to use at least two locks on agate. For example, on a wooden gate youcould use a padlock and hasp at the topplus a barrel bolt near the bottom. In thecase of a wrought iron gate use a thickheavy chain with a padlock.
If the burglar can’t go over or throughthe gate, he may decide to try to take itoff. This can be prevented by welding thehinges shut or positioning the metal pinsin each hinge so that they slide in placeat different angles to each other. Precautions: Don’t make a burglar’s lifeany easier by leaving garden tools to useto force entry. Always lock them awayafter use. Likewise, do not leave laddersavailable; they should be chained andpadlocked to a strong post or wall.
Consider installing a domestic-styleCCTV camera, linked to your TV tooverlook your garden. This can be furtherenhanced by the installation of lightingwithin the garden itself, activated by aphoto-electric cell, making it both moreattractive and secure after dark.
If you install a recordable CCTVsystem, give serious consideration toincluding a dedicated video recordersecurely located within the house. If youconnect the cameras to your householdvideo recorder and you have themisfortune to suffer a burglary, not onlycould the recorder be taken but theevidence with it. Costly garden furnitureand valuable ornaments, such as statuesor stone planters, can be anchored to theground. Even valuable plants can betreated in the same way. Hanging basketsare worth protecting and secure orlocking brackets are available.
Always property mark your gardenequipment and valuables with postcodeand house number. In most casesengraving is the most suitable method.Up and Over Garage Doors: It is probablybest not to rely solely on the centre lock.If the door is the only means of entry tothe garage, it should be fitted with a haspand staple, together with a padlock.There are also mortice locks speciallydesigned for garage doors that close intothe side frame.
If there is another entrance, and thedoor opens along runners, considerdrilling through one runner just behindthe wheel in the closed position andinserting a long bolt to stop the wheelmoving along the runners. If the dooroperates on a hinged bar drill through theside metal frame and pass a padlockthrough this hole and around the hingedbar to stop the door lifting.
Mid Suffolk North Safer Neighbourhood Team, PCSO3172 Steven Long & PC 878 Jacqui Thomas, Eye PoliceStation, Mid-Suffolk North Safer Neighbourhood Team,The Lodge, Castleton Way, Eye, Suffolk IP23 7BH. Phone101, email [email protected]
Spring 2014 13
WHAT’S ON
TUESDAY, MARCH 470th Anniversary of Berlin Mission: RedFeather Club, 10am (see story).Debenham Historical Society: EastAnglian Defences 1940.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5Redlingfield Coffee morning: at David &Jacqueline Love’s Western Barn home inAbbotts Meadow, 10am-noon.
SATURDAY, MARCH 8Eye Bach Choir 40th AnniversaryConcert: Eye Parish Church, 7.30 pm.Tickets £12 (reserved) & £10(unreserved) from Eye Pharmacy, 01728747371 or [email protected]. Web:www.eyebachchoir.co.uk. Caribbean Night: Occold, 7pm for7.30pm until midnight. £15 with canapes& 2-course meal, music & entertainment.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, MARCH 8 & 9Redlingfield Village litter pick.
THURSDAY, MARCH 13Horham Lent Lunch: Viewfield House(see story).
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, MARCH 15 & 16Re-creation with Tina McCallan:Wingfield Barns. Re-creation of BrianWhelan’s painting “The Martyrdom of StEdmund, 10am-4pm.
SUNDAY, MARCH 16Irish lunch: Horham Community Centre,3 course Sunday lunch. Watch out fordetails.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19Archive film show: Red Feather Club.Members £3, non-members £4.
THURSDAY, MARCH 20Stradbroke Community Centre Cinema -Philomena: 7pm for 7.30 pm, bar & icecreams in the interval. Entrance £5.50.
SATURDAY, MARCH 22Swing Dance: With Skyliner & DjangoMan, Red Feather Club, tickets £12. St Patrick’s Celebration: ThorndonVillage Hall, 6pm for 6.30pm till late. Irishstew & dumplings. Irish music & dancing.Tickets £20 from Clinton (678551) orGraham (678676).
SATURDAY, MARCH 29 Classic, Blues, Rock Night with AndyRobinson: Worlingworth. Tickets £5 fromHaley Chittock (628711), Peggy Calver(628404) & Tracy Love (628413).
TUESDAY, APRIL 1Debenham Historical Society: ExploringSuffolk by Bus Pass.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2Coffee Caravan: centre of Redlingfield,10am-noon.
FRIDAY, APRIL 5St Mary’s Annual Church Meeting: theOld School Horham, 7.30pm.
SATURDAY, APRIL 5Old Time Musical: Red Feather Club.70s/80s Disco: Syleham Village Hall,7.30pm-11.45pm – raffle & refreshments.Adults £5, under 16s £3. Tickets: 388862.Redlingfield Village Quiz: Old School,Horham (date to be confirmed). £5 perperson, up to four in a team. Includesfood. Proceeds to Redlingfield Church.Christine Stanford (01728 628474).
FRIDAY, APRIL 11Redlingfield Ladies’ Lunch.
SATURDAY, APRIL 12Redlingfield Village Supper (cheese &wine): Horham Community Centre from8pm. Tickets £10 adults & £5 under 18sinc wine & food. Proceeds to village funds& church’s fabric fund. Tickets villagecommittee & Joyce Saunders.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, APRIL 12 & 13Spring Break Hot Rod & Kustom KultureCar Show: Mid Suffolk Showground.
THURSDAY, APRIL 17Stradbroke Community Centre Cinema -The Butler: as March 20..
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, APRIL 19 & 20 Easter Extravaganza: Suffolk OwlSanctuary.
SUNDAY & MONDAY, APRIL 20 & 21 Easter with Children in mind: Mid-Suffolk Light Railway.
THURSDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 24-27East Anglian Beer Festival: the Apex inBury St Edmunds.
WHAT’S ON
14 Spring 2014
FRIDAY, APRIL 25St George’s Day celebration: HorhamCommunity Centre.
SATURDAY, APRIL 26St George’s Day Celebration: Thorndon,7pm. 3-course dinner, quiz & music.£22.50: Trudi (678591) or Claire (672999). Quiz: ORAC Annual Village Quiz, Occold.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, APRIL 26 & 27The Mid And West Suffolk Show: MidSuffolk Showground.
SUNDAY & MONDAY, MAY 4 & 5Middy in the War Years: Mid-SuffolkLight Railway.
MONDAY, MAY 5May Day Bank Holiday Special withextra fun events: Suffolk Owl Sanctuary.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7Coffee Caravan: centre of Redlingfield,10am-noon.
SATURDAY, MAY 10 An eccentric look at Suffolk with CharlieHaylock: Worlingworth , time & tickets tobe confirmed.Redlingfield Pub on the Green: DoorstepGreen, 6pm to late.
SATURDAY, MAY 10-SUNDAY, JUNE 1The 7th Suffolk Walking Festival:Themed, guided walks. For detailswww.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk.
TUESDAY, MAY 13Debenham Historical Society: SuffolkVillage in Wartime.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14Redlingfield Village Meeting AGM:Horham Community Centre, 8pm.
SATURDAY, MAY 17Horham Garage Sale: (see story). Summer Concert: Eye Church, 7.30pm.as March 8 concert.
SUNDAY, MAY 25Plant Heritage Spring Plant Fair:Helmingham Hall.
MONDAY, MAY 26Spring Bank Holiday Special With ExtraFun Events: Suffolk Owl Sanctuary.
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY, MAY 28 & 29Suffolk Show: Trinity Park, Ipswich.
SATURDAY, MAY 31Concert Overlord: Stradbroke HighSchool (see story).
JUNE WEEKENDSSuffolk Open Studios: Directory will bepublished in early April. Alsowww.suffolkopenstudios.org/
TUESDAY, JUNE 3Debenham Historical Society: Wheels ofIpswich – 200 years of Ipswich Transport.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4Coffee Caravan: centre of Redlingfield,10am-noon.
TUESDAY, JUNE 10Redlingfield churchyard clear up; 6pm.
SATURDAY, JUNE 14Redlingfield Pub on the Green; DoorstepGreen, 6pm to late.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JUNE 14 & 15Mediaeval Experience & Father’s DaySpecial: Suffolk Owl Sanctuary.
SATURDAY, JUNE 21Worlingworth Village fete.Crow’s Hall Country Fayre.Horham Village fête.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JUNE 21 &22Journey Through The Ages - VintageRally and Country Fair: Goodrich Park,Palgrave.
SUNDAY, JUNE 22Goods by Road & Rail: Mid-Suffolk LightRailway.
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY, JUNE 25 & 26Royal Norfolk Show: NorfolkShowground.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JUNE 28 & 292014 Festifull: Stradbroke. A programmeof arena entertainment & market, stalls,bouncy castle, traditional village fairfavourites, sports competitions, food,drink & the biggest 5-a-side footballtournament in the area. Sunday an “It’s aknockout/wipeout” event.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, JUNE 27-29Debenham Art Exhibition.
FRIDAY-MONDAY, JUNE 27-30Festival of Beer and Brewing: Museum ofEast Anglian Life in Stowmarket.
WHAT’S ON
Spring 2014 15
TUESDAY, JULY 1Debenham Historical Society: TheCretingham Murder Mystery.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 2Coffee Caravan: centre of Redlingfield,10am-noon.
SATURDAY, JULY 5Occold Village Fete.St Peter’s Band: Worlingworth, 2pm. St.Peter’s band with afternoon tea. Ticketprice to be set.
1940s & 50s Retro Swing Dance: RedFeather Club.
SUNDAY, JULY 6American re-enactment Day: RedFeather Club.Debenham Open Gardens.
SATURDAY, JULY 12Redlingfield Village BBQ.Bedfield Village Fete.
SUNDAY, JULY 13Falconry Fair: Suffolk Owl Sanctuary.
Diss Corn Hall: Corn Hall, St Nicholas Street, Diss. Box Office: 652241 &[email protected]. Full programme at www.disscornhall.co.uk ; Framlingham:www.framlingham.com. Helmingham Hall: 01473 890799, [email protected],www.helmingham.com. Horham & Atelington Community Centre: Karen, 384754; Clare,388878; & Kerina, 669376, Hoxne Cinema: Tickets from Jenny Knights 668060, Hoxne PO& Stores, or via www.hoxnevillagehall.co.uk. Mid-Suffolk Light Railway, Brockford Station,Wetheringsett nr Stowmarket, Suffolk Suffolk IP14 5PW, www.mslr.org.uk, general enquiriesKeith Froom 01449 672670 or [email protected]. Museum of East Anglian Life,Stowmarket, 01449 612229, [email protected]. Redlingfield, 678835,[email protected], www.redlingfield.suffolk.gov.uk. Suffolk Owl Sanctuary,Stonham Barns, 08456 807897, [email protected], www.owl-help.org.uk. WingfieldBarns, 384505, [email protected], www.wingfieldbarns.com (MidweekMovies: Tickets £5 on the door, 1.30pm matinee and 7.30pm evenings).
MONDAYS: Ballroom dancing: St Edmund’s Hall, Hoxne, 7.30pm-9.30pm (for adults). SandraHartley, 01728 723887.
TUESDAYS: T PLUS: Community Café with stalls, All Saint’s Church, Thorndon every Tues,10am-noon. Bingo: Thorndon Village Hall, 7.30pm every other Tues. 678178. Zumba:Horham & Athelington Community Centre, 7pm, Terri Cave, 01728 627756 &07563534086. Debenham Historical Society: Regular lectures at Room 31, DebenhamHigh School, 7.30pm, £3 per lecture, including a soft drink in the interval. Enquiries:Clive Cook 01728-861754. Non-members welcome see what’s on.
WEDNESDAYS: Redlingfield & Occold WI, 1st Wed of the month at, 7.45pm, in Occold VillageHall. Hoxon Hundred: Summer dance-outs at local pubs. Winter practices. Ron Ross,643563. Eye Country Market, every Wed 10am-11am, Eye Town Hall (closed Jan).
THURSDAYS: Zumba: Worlingworth Community Centre, 7pm, Terri Cave, 01728 627756 &07563534086. Over 50s Belly Dance Class: Occold Village Hall, 11am-noon, £30 for 6weeks 27 Feb till 3 April.
FRIDAYS: Bingo: Stradbroke Community Centre, Wilby Road, 2nd Fri monthly. 7.30pm. MaryEllis, 384642.
FRIDAYS/SUNDAYS: Traditional music: Worlingworth Swan, 2nd Fri evening of month insummer & spring. Sun lunchtimes in autumn & winter.
SATURDAYS: Occold Market & Car Boot: Occold Village and Village Hall, 9.30am-noon, lastSat of the month from March to November.
SUNDAYS: Open days: Red Feather/95th Bomb Group Heritage Association & 95th BGHospital Museum last Sun of month April-October inclusive,
Presidential Unit Citations, the third forthe raid on Berlin despite snowstorms,dense clouds, and severe enemy attack,while many others, because of weatherconditions, either abandoned theoperation or struck other targets.
The first daylight raid on the Germancapital also provided the title for
the first history of the bombgroup – Ian Hawkins’ B-17sOver Berlin.
Several previous attempts tobomb Berlin in daylight had
Remembering the 95th’s bigFEATURES & NEWS
■ PLANNING: To be decided –application to install and operate a 49.75kW groundmounted solar PV system, Lodge Farm, The Street, Horham; application to use land forsiting marquee for events during 2014. Marquee to be in-situ from May 1st to October4th, Athelington Hall, Horham Road, Athelington. Granted – application to continueuse of meadow for three camping events each year during summer, Athelington Hall,Horham Road, Athelington; application to erect a single-storey rear extension (followingdemolition of existing), to replace window with a door and erection of porch, The OldForge, Worlingworth Road, Horham.■ OIL THEFTS: 800 litres of heating oil was stolen from a tank in the front garden of ahome in Green Lane, Redlingfield, between 10am Saturday January 11th and 4pmTuesday 14th January.Heating oil was also stolen from a tank in a rear garden in GreenLane between 2pm on Sunday January 12th and 6pm Wednesday January 15th.
16 Spring 2014
ONE OF THE DEFININGmoments in the history of the95th Bomb Group is being
commemorated at the Red Feather Clubat 10am on Tuesday March 4th.
The ceremony organised by the 95thBomb Group Heritage Association willcommemorate the 70th anniversary ofthe day the 95th became the firstUSAAF group to bomb Berlin indaylight during WW2. All arewelcome at a ceremony which willbe attended by serving USAFpersonnel as well as heritageassociation members.
The 95th Bomb Group flew 334 missions and were awarded a record three
Life magazine’s publicityshot of the 95th
after the Berlin raid.
Spring 2014 17
REDLINGFIELD VILLAGE EVENTS & MORE ...■ On Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9, youcan join in Redlingfield’s Annual Litter Pick. Getout and give the village a clean up. Co-ordinateyour efforts with Mike Ager please.■ The Cheese & Wine, now called RedlingfieldVillage Supper, will be at Horham CommunityCentre on Saturday, April 12. Tickets are £10 foradults and £5 for under 18s. The event is 8pmuntil late with wine and food included in the price.Tickets from the village committee and JoyceSaunders.■ The village AGM will be at Horham CommunityCentre at 8pm on Wednesday, May 14.■ The churchyard clear up is on Tuesday, June 10,from 6pm. Come along and give a hand.■ This year’s Pubs on the Green will be onSaturdays, May 10, June 14, August 9, September13 and October 11 from 6pm until late. Look out forinformation on a fish & chip night and mini BBQs.■ The summer BBQ will be on Saturday July 12. Itmay be a hog roast this year.■ The village is also looking to revive the HarvestSupper to help the church’s fabric fund and mayhold a 40s dance and an illustrated talk on WW2aviation.■ Linda Hudson is now Redlingfield villagerecorder as part of the Suffolk Local HistoryRecorder Scheme run by the Suffolk Local HistoryCouncil. ■ Janet Norman-Philips is trying to get the brokenvillage sign on the Bedingfield/Southolt roadreplaced and a No Through Road sign for RookeryLane. ■ The next village committee meeting is onTuesday June 3.If you have an issue that you wouldlike raised please tell a member of the committee.■ More American relatives of the airmen who losttheir life in the Redlingfield crash will be visitingthe area in early May.
Mike Ager, 678835, [email protected]
(www.redlingfield.suffolk.gov.uk)
Berlin raidbeen recalled – one just the daybefore. The March 4th 1944mission too seemed doomedfrom the start but three thingscame together to ensure thataircraft from the 95th and someelements of the 100th bombedBerlin that day.
The first was the addition of aPathfinder B-17 equipped withradar to help see through theclouds to the target below. Thesecond was the choice of Lt ColH Griffin ‘Grif’ Mumford, thecommanding officer of the95th’s 412th squadron, asmission leader. The third was thedetermined fighter cover offeredby P-51 Mustangs of the 4th and357th Fighter Groups.
Deep into enemy territory therecall order was received, due tothe bad weather, and most of theassembled bomb groups peeledoff for other targets. Lt ColonelMumford decided to continuethe planned mission to Berlin asthe recall message did notcontain the correct code and theenemy were sending up fakerecall signals. With Pathfindertechnology, he also knew theycould take advantage of the badweather and strike a blow toGerman morale.
The 95th’s exploits made itinto Life magazine, although theinvolvement of the Pathfinderswas kept secret. Mike Ager
ALTHOUGH WE HAVE BEENvery lucky in this part of thecountry and escaped thedreadful flooding seen inother parts of the country,
MSDC Emergency Planning Team havebeen monitoring and collatinginformation on the weather and riverlevels in our area.
They are running workshops forparishes, I have mentioned this beforeat parish meetings but thankfully wehave not had any real need until now toform parish emergency teams. SueHearne is the co-ordinator and can bereached on 01449 724851 if you wish toset up your own group. It is not only forfloods but for any other emergency thatmight befall us in the countryside.
To my knowledge no district councilshold stocks of sandbags any longer andthere is a thought that they are not themost efficient way of holding backwater.
MSDC are only too aware of theresults of building on flood plains andother low lying areas and are taking duecare in granting planning permission
that water harvesting and run off waterare properly dealt with. Soak-aways arenot ideal on our heavy clay.
You might like to know that the CreditUnion is opening up in Stowmarket andwill be open on Thursdays from March6th from 1-3pm. We are enquiring as towhether there might be an opportunityfor one in Stradbroke or Hoxne.
The proposed gas-fired power stationon the Eye Airfield is under discussion.While the Government will make thefinal decision, MSDC are a consulteeand the parishes nearest the airfield arebeing involved in meetings andbriefings. Progress Power will submitplans to the Planning Inspectorate inlate March and from then on anyone canregister an interest with theInspectorate and be kept informed ofprogress,
Don’t forget the council will assistparishes to cut grass and footpaths forthemselves. There is a small amount ofmoney for this and other communityactivities that we can help to get going.
Elizabeth Gibson-Harries,District Councillor – Hoxne Ward
COLUMNS
YOUR DISTRICT COUNCILLOR
■ ARE YOU USING THE BORDERHOPPA? If not, why not? The service is available toanyone, any age, who needs transport to appointments, to get to work, to goshopping or just to visit a friend. The fleet of mini buses serves parishes within anapproximate 10-mile radius of Diss, Harleston and Eye. From April they will beadding two new buses to bring the fleet to eight, and to start serving Long Strattonand surrounds. To book a journey, you need to give a minimum of two working daysnotice but you can book up to four working days in advance. Concessionary buspass holders travel free after 9.30am. Others are charged by distance, depending onarea and distance travelled. The service operates Mon-Fri, 8.30am-4.30pm. MostBorderhoppa buses are fully accessible with powered wheelchair lifts. For furtherinformation, to book a journey, outing or to hire a minibus, call 854800, [email protected], or visit www.borderhoppa.org. Lucy Sharpe
18 Spring 2014
OVER THE LAST FEW months I have been busyhelping to guide the Care Billthrough Parliament. The Bill isthe Coalition Government’s
key piece of legislation dealing with howwe are cared for in the UK. Itfundamentally reforms how the lawworks, prioritising people’s wellbeing,needs and goals.
In the wake of the failings in care atStafford Hospital it will allow for Ofsted-style ratings for hospitals and carehomes that will allow patients and thepublic to compare organisations orservices in a fair and balanced way. TheBill will give the new Chief Inspector ofHospitals the power to instigate a processto tackle unresolved problems with thequality of care more effectively thanbefore. Also it will make it a criminaloffence for providers to supply or publishfalse or misleading information.
Finally the Bill establishes HealthEducation England as a statutory bodywhich will assist local healthcareproviders and professionals to takeresponsibility for educating and trainingtheir staff.
Before a Bill becomes law it has topass through several stages. The Firstreading is the first stage of a Bill’spassage through the House of Commons.It is usually a formality and takes placewithout debate. The Second reading isthe first opportunity for MPs to debatethe Bill. A Government minister or MPresponsible for the Bill will open thedebate. This is followed with a responseby the official Opposition spokesperson.
Once second reading is complete the
Bill proceeds to committee stage – whereeach clause and any amendments to theBill are debated. At this stage the PublicBill Committee is able to take evidencefrom experts and interest groups fromoutside Parliament.
Once the committee stage is finished,the Bill returns to the floor of theCommons for its report stage. The Billcan be debated by MPs and furtheramendments proposed. The Report stageis normally followed immediately by theThird reading. The Third reading debateis normally short and is limited to what isactually in the Bill, rather than, as atsecond reading, what might have beenincluded. Amendments cannot be madeto a Bill at this stage.
At the end of the debate, the Housevotes on whether to approve the thirdreading of the Bill. After the Third readingthe Bill passes to the House of Lords. TheBill is dealt with in a very similar way inthe Lords as it is in the Commons. TheBill is thoroughly scrutinized at thecommittee and report stages. Finally theBill has the third reading and is passedback to the Commons.
If the Lords did not make any changesto the Bill it can be given the RoyalAssent and the legislation within the Billmay commence immediately or after aset period.● I hold regular constituency advicesurgeries to help people who haveproblems. If you think that I may be ableto help you, contact 01728 685148, oremail me via www.drdanielpoulter.com.For more information please visitwww.drdanielpoulter.com
Dr Dan Poulter, MP
DR DAN POULTER, YOUR LOCAL MP, REPORTS BACK
COLUMNS
Spring 2014 19
20 Spring 2014
COLUMNS
I’VE RECENTLY RE-READJohn Rogers excellent bookThe Undelivered Mardle;John was scheduled todeliver a mardle (a short
reflective talk) at Letheringham not sofar from Framlingham but on themorning he was to deliver it he suffereda near fatal heart attack. A couple ofyears later he gave his mardle, but alongthe way he’d expanded his thoughts outinto this book. It is subtitled ‘A memoirof belief, doubt and delight’ and that iswhat it is as he reflects on Letheringhamchurch and his own relationship with theChurch of England.
It is a rare book; the church in ruralEngland is not a very fashionable area(even the Vicar of Dibley has beenreplaced by the urban Rev) but alsobecause John writes as a successor andcontemporary to Ronald Blythe’swonderful Akenfield, Blythe actuallywrote the introduction.
From its pages I learnt one thing andwas reminded of another, taken together
they are things that make the Church ofEngland a very special institution.
The thing I learnt was that the parishsystem on which it operates came toEngland from Denmark with theTeutonic invasion when a land-ownerwas obliged to provide for the spiritualwelfare for his people, Christianity inthis country inherited this system.
The thing that I knew and wasreminded of is that the church legallybelongs to everyone who lives withinthat parish boundary, it is in a verygenuine sense their church – it really isthe Church of England!
It is the time of year for the annualmeetings, there is one in every parish; atthem everyone resident in the parish isentitled to attend and take part inelecting the Church Wardens who areactually more important than theRector!
It truly is your church and you aremost welcome to come along.
Michael Womack (388889 [email protected])
THE RECTOR REFLECTS … THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND
■ EYE VOLUNTEER CENTRE: The main service the centre operates is theCommunity Car Service or taking people to health centres, dental and hospitalappointments or visiting. The drivers are all volunteers using their own cars whichare fully insured to transport people, they also have the necessary disclosure andbarring service approval. There is a charge of 45p a mile which is subsidised forpeople who are in receipt of pension credit. As an example someone requiringtransport to Ipswich Hospital from this area will pay approximately £25 for the roundtrip and car parking fee. The centre would be pleased to have a volunteer driver inthis area to add to their existing list. The centre also organises a monthly tea party,which is held at different venues and relies on volunteer hosts and drivers. Alsopeople in this area can attend “The Forge Lunch Club” at Debenham twice a month.These activities appeal to persons who enjoy other peoples company. These servicescan be accessed by telephoning Gill on 871200. The centre would welcomevolunteers to host a tea party or for driving.. Charles Butler
Spring 2014 21
CHURCH OF ENGLAND
C of E: Rev Michael Womack is rector of the Hoxne Benefice serving Athelington,Denham, Horham, Hoxne, Redlingfield, Syleham and Wingfield. St Andrew’s House,Vicarage Road, Wingfield, IP21 5RB, 388889 or [email protected]. St Andrew,Redlingfield; St Peter, Athelington; St Mary, Horham. Enquiries to: Daphne Harvey,Horham (384216); Evelyn Adey, Athelington (01728 628428) Hazel Abbott, Redlingfield(678217). Mar 2 Redlingfield, 9.30am, HC; Wingfield, 10am, MP; Horham, 11.15am, FS;
Hoxne, 11.15am, HC; Syleham, 11.15am, Mattins. Mar 5 Laxfield, 7pm, Imposition of Ashes.Mar 9 Horham, 9.30am, HC; Wingfield, 10am, HC; Hoxne, 11.15am, Mattins.Mar 16 Hoxne, 8.30am, HC; Athelington, 9.30am, HC; Syleham, 10am, FS;
Wingfield, 10am, FS; Hoxne, 11.15am, Centenary Celebration Communion with the Dean of the Cathedral.
Mar 23 Syleham, 9.30am, HC; Redlingfield, 9.30am, MP; Hoxne, 10am, FS; Wingfield, 10am, Mattins; Denham, 11.15am, FS; Horham, 11.15am, FS.
Mar 30 Wingfield, 10am, Mothering Sunday Service; Hoxne, 11.15am, Benefice Eucharist/Commissioning of Lay Elders with the ArchDeacon; Syleham, 3pm, Mothering Sunday Service.
Apr 6 Redlingfield, 9.30am, HC; Wingfield, 10am, MP; Horham, 11.15am, ‘Mother’s Day’; Hoxne, 11.15am, HC; Syleham, 11.15am, Mattins.
Apr 13 Horham, 9.30am, HC; Wingfield, 10am, HC; Hoxne, 11.15am, Mattins.Apr 14 Syleham, 7.30pm, Praying with the Easter Story.Apr 15 Athelington, 7.30pm, Lectio Divina.Apr 16 Denham, 7.30pm, Taize Service.Apr 17 Redlingfield, 7.30pm, ‘Seder Meal’ & Simple Communion.Apr 18 Hoxne, 9.30am, Readings and Meditation; Wingfield, noon, Meditation;
Horham, 7.30pm, The Passion Gospels.Apr 19 Denham, 7.30pm, Service of Light and Renewal of Baptism Vows.Apr 20 Wingfield, 8.30am, HC; Athelington, 9.30am, HC; Wingfield, 10am, FS;
Hoxne, 11.15am, FS with HC after; Syleham, 4pm, Songs of Praise.Apr 27 Syleham, 9.30am, HC; Redlingfield, 9.30am, MP; Hoxne, 10am, FS;
Denham, 11.15am, FS; Horham, 11.15am, FS; Wingfield, 6.30pm, Evensong.May 4 Redlingfield, 9.30am, HC; Wingfield, 10am, MP; Horham, 11.15am, FS;
Hoxne, 11.15am, HC; Syleham, 11.15am, Mattins.May 11 Horham, 9.30am, HC; Wingfield, 10am, HC; Hoxne, 11.15am, Mattins.May 18 Hoxne, 8.30am, HC; Athelington, 9.30am, HC; Syleham, 10am, FS;
Wingfield, 10am, FS; Hoxne, 11.15am, FS; Horham, 11.15am, Baptism Service.
May 25 Syleham, 9.30am, HC; Redlingfield, 9.30am, MP; Hoxne, 10am, FS; Denham, 11.15am, FS; Horham, 11.15am, FS; Wingfield, 6.30pm, Evensong.
(HC = Holy Communion; MP = Morning Prayer; FS = Family Service. Please check times on notice boards.)
22 Spring 2014
CHURCH OF ENGLAND
ALEC DEBENHAM, 1927-2012: Alec wasborn into a farming family in Langmere.He had three older brothers, Leslie,Bernie and Willie, and two sisters, Daisyand Queenie. The family worked theirfarm and Alec loved farming fromthe beginning.
The family moved to a farmin Horham and in 1934 theytook on the tenancy of WalnutTree Farm. In 1942 their firstfarm had to be demolishedto make way for Horhamairfield. In 1952 Alec’s fatherpurchased Walnut Tree Farmand they remained there.
Alec attended Horham school buthis real interest lay in practical work andas soon as he could leave school hestarted work on the farm with his fatherand brothers. He particularly enjoyedworking with the horses.
Farming was not Alec’s only love; heloved dancing and was a regular at theBillingford dances. He was a good dancer.Many remember the DJ, called Brock andWest, who played a mixture of musicevery Saturday in an old army shed inBillingford. The dances were very popularand many have fond memories of them.
Alec’s life changed when one eveninghe saw Margaret. He loved her dearly forthe rest of his life. In the early days Alecused to take Margaret on the back of hismotorbike although her parents were nothappy about him doing so. They marriedin Billingford church on February 25th1956. There was deep snow and thepeople of Billingford kindly dug out apath for them to get to church.
They started married life in a cottageon Athelington Road and it was a very
happy time for them, especially whentheir daughter, Linda was born. WhenLinda was four they moved back toWalnut Tree Farm to help care for Alec’s
father who was unwell. He diedin1976. The farmland was sold but
Alec, Margaret and Lindaremained in the house.
Alec then went to work withTeddy Rose, draining land. Healso did numerous odd jobsand continued to help peoplelong after he retired. He
helped the Wheelers at IvyHouse and was also a great
help to the ‘incomers’ when IvyHouse was sold. But he missed
farming and could often be seen chattingto his brother and nephews as theyfarmed the land around the house. Hewould hitch a ride on the combine andmarvel at the modern machinery. He hadseen many changes in his lifetime.
Family was important to Alec and hewas very happy when Linda marriedHarold and they had two sons, Thomasand Samuel. He was a loving husbandand father and no less a lovinggrandfather. He regularly walked with theboys around the land and took them onbike rides. Tragedy struck when Samdied, aged 16 in a road accident. This wasa time of great pain for all the family andAlec took it very hard.
Alec loved his corner of Suffolk anddidn’t like being away, he and Margaretonly had one holiday, they went toFolkstone, he didn’t settle until he washome again. Everything he needed wasright here, his lovely family, beautifulviews and as many blackberries as hecould pick. Adam Blowes
IN MEMORIAM & POETRY
Spring 2014 23
THE WORLD DOESN’T LOOK SO BAD by Manday MillerI was going to speak about the weather but an old friend called, dropped in to the
back garden. Someone I had not seen since last year. I do hope they bring thebabies round later in the year.
I have also missed many night callers, I have not heard so many owls, I miss thehedgehogs, come to think of it the bright spring flowers.
The caller was none other than a green woodpecker who had a whale of an timedigging holes, pulling up moss making a mess. But I don’t moan, the more unkemptmy garden is the more wildlife like it?
I wonder at this time of year do we really see nature’s gifts? Or life’s little gifts? Mygrandad would say a compliment is a verbal gift.
I try to treat life that way when I have bad days, you all know the ones, don’t get out ofbed days. You did and here it comes. When I get home look out of the window & seenature’s gifts the world doesn’t look so bad!
RAYMOND (BILL) BALDRY, 1926-2013:Bill returned for the final time to thevillage he loved on December 17th 2013and was welcomed home by a largecongregation at St. Mary’s Church.
Growing up at the Dragon Inn inHorham with his sister Beryl, heenjoyed an idyllic childhoodand showed great promise atEye Grammar School. He wasfascinated by aircraft, joiningthe Air Training Corps andexperienced the excitement ofthe arrival of the 95th BombGroup, with many of the airmenenjoying the hospitality of hisparents at the Dragon.
After the War, Bill moved to London andtrained to be an architect. For one of hisfirst jobs, he was fortunate enough towork on the design of one of the largeexhibitions featured in the 1951 Festival ofBritain,which celebrated the emergenceof fresh talent and new ideas in science,technology, industrial design and thearts. It was an exciting time with lots ofoptimism about the future. He met and
fell in love with a young Irish nurse,marrying Kathleen in 1953.
After the arrival of three children, Billand Kay left the bright lights of London
and settled back in Suffolk. He workedfor Johns Slater & Haward, who
designed many iconic buildingsin and around Ipswich.
Like his father Hubert, whois still fondly remembered inHorham, Bill was good withhis hands and always seemedto be making or mending
something. Later on, heearned extra money by creating
intricate architectural scalemodels of houses, schools and
complete estates for exhibitions and tosupport planning applications.
Sadly, Kay passed away in 2005 andalthough Bill always enjoyed his owncompany, he became increasingly lonelyand missed her companionship.Unfortunately, his hearing alsodeteriorated, increasing the sense ofisolation. Bill is survived by Francis,Shelagh and John. Frank Baldry
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24 Spring 2014
Massage is beneficial for aches, pains, tension, stress, headaches,
relaxation, general well-being and so much more... *Holistic Massage * Back Massage* *Hot Stone Therapy * Reflexology* *Facials * Body Scrubs & Wraps*
Website – www.fp-therapies.co.uk **Gift Vouchers Available – Great for everyone**
Give me a call – I am only in BRUNDISH 01379 388458 or e-mail: [email protected]
Fiona Patrick’s Therapies
Relax and Unwind…
• Funerals arranged by trained
experienced staff in our friendly office environment or in the comfort of your own home
• Free transport for visits to registrars, our Chapel and other related appointments
• Bereavement support group Open to all in need
Office & Chapel of Rest located at Chestnut House, 12 Progress Way
Langton Green, Eye Suffolk, IP23 7HU
Independent of Any Large
Corporation and Truly Owned And Run by The Whymark Family
24 Hour Telephone Number 01379 87116801379 871168www.susanwhymark.co.uk
email [email protected]
Spring 2014 25
UNDER ONE ROOFMark Bancroft Pavaa ing Services
Specialist in all types of paving and hard landscaping
Driveways, patios, ornamental garden walls, water features, drainage and fencing
Family run business with more than 20 years of on-the-job experience
Fast friendly professional Fully insured and all work guaranteed
Call for Mark for friendly visit with a free quotation01379677027 or mobile 07768636618
MINI DIGGER HIRETwo tonne & five tonne diggers available & many attachments
Call Tony on 07949608243 or 01379870514Based in Denham
26 Spring 2014
Spring 2014 27
• Have you a problem with - • Rats, Mice, Moles, Wasps or Rabbits? • All typical Pests controlled. • For ALL your Domestic / Commercial Pest Control. • No obligation – free survey/quotes. • Please call, • 01379 788865 / 07809 226109 / 07518 731106
www.safeandsoundhygieneandpestcontrol.co.uk
Supplying the country since 1957
Keeping your home cosyWe are Watson Fuels – suppliers of heating oil and fuel to homes, farms and businesses for over 50 years.
01379 652764www.watsonfuels.co.uk
28 Spring 2014
Spring 2014 29
PAUL DURRANT & SON LTD
BUILDERS
Church Farm Bungalow, Rishangles, Eye, Suffolk IP23 7JX
Tel/Fax (01379) 678485 Mob 07798673946
Email [email protected]
All types of work undertakenExtensions, Renovations, Alterations, Repairs,
Council Grant Work
FREE ESTIMATES
We aim to produce four issues a year, coming out at the end of February, May,August and November. The next issue - Summer 2014 - is due to be published at
the end of June. The final deadline for all submissions is May 14.Athelington, Horham & Redlingfield News is printed & published by Evelyn Adey &Mike Ager for the villages of Athelington, Horham, Redlingfield and surrounds. Theeditors reserve the right to edit or refuse submissions. The views expressed in the
magazine are not necessarily those of the editors.
30 Spring 2014
Your little one’s early years are magical
You are very welcome to visit, and see all that our school and nursery have to offer
All lead nursery staff are fully qualified teachers
Our nursery is fully integrated with the rest of our warm and welcoming school
Come and see our special focus on music and drama throughout the school
Places available for children aged 3 and 4
Stradbroke Road, Wilby, IP21 5LR (01379) 384708
Everyone a Star!
Spring 2014 31
Rates for adverts in four issues distributed to approximately 300homes in Horham, Athelington,Redlingfield and surrounds are:-
1/6 page £8.50 (60mm deep,60mm across)1/3 page £16.50 (60mm deep,125mm across)1/4 page £12.50 (90mm deep,60mm across)1/2 page £25 (90mm deep, 125mm across) A whole page £50
You can supply the artwork and/orlogos or we can design the adverts foryou. Revenue goes towards the costs ofproducing the magazine and profitswill be split between Horham &Athelington Parish Council andRedlingfield Village Meeting.
TEL: 01508 532 282 Mobile: 07532 120 975 E-mail: [email protected] www.dtyrrellwindowsanddoors.co.uk
D TYRRELL WINDOWS & DOORS
Upvc Windows and Doors:
Conservatories, & replacement glazing:
Garage door replacement & repairs;
Locks, fascia and soffits.
FENSA REGISTERED
Ring for a free, no obligation quote today.
FRESH FREERANGE EGGS
Poplar Hall FarmOccold RoadRedlingfield
STALL AT GATE
For larger orders pleasecall 01379 678318
32 Spring 2014
SimplyBeautifulByAnne
Weddings, Bridesmaids,
Ball Gowns, Curtains,
Cushions, Alterations
and much more
Free Estimates GivenMagnolia House,Wilby Rd, StradbrokeTel: 01379 384097Mob: 07944 894757
If you need a tradesman, we can help
* Free Estimates * • Bathroom suites • Any Electrical Work • A new house or extension • Gas or Oil Boiler Service & Maintenance
Electrical Services · Boiler & Heating Maintenance · Building Maintenance & Refurbishment · General Building · Plumbing
MY Group, Fen Lane Farm, Watton Rd. Larling, Norfolk NR16 2AJTel: 01953 497177 Fax: 01953 497160 Email: [email protected] Web: www.mygroupea.co.uk
MY Group is a trading name of MY Boiler Services Ltd
Servicing ● Repairs ● Tyres ● Exhausts ● Batteries ● Air-Con ● MOT Testing
Barley Green Garage
Laxfield Road, Stradbroke, IP21 5JT
Telephone 01379 388 947
www.barleygreengarage.com
After hours call Julian 07733 118100
Servicing, Repairs & MOTs❆
Welding and Diagnostics❆
Air-con servicing from £20❆
Coal, logs & kindling❆
Parking sensors & Tow-bars❆
LPG Auto-gas filling station❆
Courtesy cars available❆
Free local collection & delivery
