Roundel marks Hadleigh’s historic heritage

Mayor Ann Stephenson inaugurated Hadleigh’s Millennium Roundel on Friday 1^st December in a short service led by  Hadleigh’s Rural Dean, David Stranack.   The Roundel is on the road at the south east corner of St Mary’s Churchyard.
Roger Young, who conceived the concept of marking the Millennium with the Roundel, claims its position is unique.   “Where else in the world can you see nine buildings of prime architectural interest covering six centuries all from the same spot?” he asks.
Buried beneath the Roundel is a time capsule full of items nominated by local residents and carefully selected by representatives of the Hadleigh Town Council, Hadleigh Society and St Mary’s Parochial Church Council.   The items chosen were those thought to be of interest 100 years hence.
One Hadleigh resident suggested that the head of Damien McCrystal, a recent critic of Hadleigh residents, should have been included.   “His brain would easily have fitted through the seven inch aperture of the time capsule and he qualifies as an anachronism well worth burying.”


Darren, Griff and Steven of Larcombe and Young Building Ltd., putting the finishing touches to the Millennium Roundel.

The Millennium Roundel is complete

The Millennium Roundel project has been successfully completed within the year 2000.   Roger Young’s concept has been brought to fruition through his energy and drive, and he watched with pride as the Roundel was inaugurated by Mayor Ann Stephenson, during a short service led by Hadleigh’s Rural Dean, David Stranack, on 1^st December.
The Roundel is on the road at the south-east corner of St Mary’s churchyard and incorporates direction stones indicating nine different buildings of prime architectural interest built over a period of six centuries.   What is so special is that they can all be seen from that same spot!
This tasteful new feature was designed by local architects – the Wincer Kievenaar Partnership, and has been constructed by Larcombe and Young Building Ltd.   The Roundel is made of granite setts, Stamford stone bricks, stainless steel quadrants, supplied by Cookson and Zinn, and aluminium alloy castings made by Hadleigh Castings.   The project was supported by Hadleigh Town Council, St Mary’s Church Parochial Church Council and The Hadleigh Society, and was sponsored by many local residents and businesses.
Buried beneath the Roundel is a large stainless steel time capsule.   It contains a record of the names of all the sponsors, a collection of small items considered to represent life in 1999 and items which might be of interest to people of the town in 100 years time.   

What do you think of that selection?

Council publishes flood protection advice

Babergh District Council has published important information offering key flood protection advice to all Babergh residents in the form of a new leaflet.
“We are keen to ensure that basic flood protection advice is readily available, especially as the rain currently shows no sign of abating”, says Gilli Keeley, the District Council’s Emergency Planning Officer.   “It is clear that what many people have wanted to know in recent months was advice on protecting their property.  This leaflet provides residents with all the essential information they may need.”

The leaflet provides 10 basic flood protection points, information on where sandbag materials may be bought, as well as how sandbags might best be utilized.   Also included is the national 24-hour Floodline emergency contact number together with other important contact numbers.
A pack containing the leaflet and other information has already been sent out to all Town and Parish Councils.
The leaflet itself is now available free from libraries, Sudbury Town Hall and Babergh Council’s own Hadleigh offices, and on the Council’s web site at www.babergh-south-suffolk.gov.uk

Community Achievements Awards

Most ever nominated!

An unprecedented 52 local residents have been nominated for this year’s Babergh District Council Community Achievement Awards.
“We’ve had nominations for people aged from 15 to 89 years of age and from right across the district,” says organiser Jill Barton.
  “It is clear, once again, that we have a very strong representation and many cases where wider public recognition is certainly due.”  Jill adds, “Judging will be very difficult this year as we have had so many worthwhile nominations.   I know there will be some disappointments but we consider every nomination on its merits.”

Nominations close at the end of November and the chosen recipients will receive their awards from Peter Jones, the Chairman of the Council, in two ceremonies at the Council’s offices.   These will take place on Tuesday 6^th February (for award winners from the East of Babergh) and Tuesday 13^th February 2001 (for award winners from the West of Babergh) at 7.30pm each evening.

Hadleigh model will collect local opinions

What do you think about traffic and safety in Hadleigh?
The children of Hadleigh County Primary School have been preparing a giant model of the town (more than 5 metres square!) so that they and their parents and local residents can discuss ideas with highways engineers and road safety officers.   The project is aiming to:
Improve the road safety and personal security of the children on their journeys to and from school
Provide better and safer facilities for people when walking, cycling or using buses to get to and from school
Reduce the need for so many car journeys, by providing parents with practical alternatives
Reduce traffic jams outside the school and enhance the local environment
Improve pupils’ fitness levels through more walking and cycling
If we do nothing the problems will get worse.
Your opinion is important.   So – please come to see this model of Hadleigh on view at the Primary School between 3pm and 6pm on Friday 19^th January and record your comments.
This event is part of “Safety to School”, a special transport and education project, run by Suffolk County Council.   It is working this year in 14 schools across the county.
For more information please contact:   Mike Motteram, County Road Safety Officer 01473 583199

Coventry City drop in on local school for a spot of goal practice!

Coventry City Football players dropped in at the Stoke by Nayland Middle School for a spot of practice before their game against Ipswich Town in the Worthington Cup.
The Coventry team were staying at the Stoke by Nayland Club, situated just up the road from the school.
“We were asked by Coventry to find a football pitch they could use for a last minute training session and asked the School if they could help” said Tamara Unwin, a family Director of the Stoke by Nayland Club.   “Obviously the school were delighted to host the team on their pitch and not only did the team very generously stay longer than planned to sign autographs, they also gave the school a signed football shirt.”
The Stoke by Nayland Club has already welcomed Manchester United, Aston Villa and Middlesborough, and all the teams have been delighted and very impressed with the facilities on offer at the Club.  
Andrew Harvey, Operations Manager for Coventry City said, “This is our first visit to the Stoke by Nayland Club and we have been extremely well looked after and have thoroughly enjoyed our stay.   We would have no hesitation in recommending the Club Hotel and its excellent facilities, and I’m sure will visit again in the New Year.”
The Club facilities include 30 bedrooms, two 18 hole golf courses, Peake Fitness, with its 18 meter indoor pool and gym and a selection of meeting and conference rooms to accommodate up to 400 delegates.   The Club is also sole distributor for ‘Power Plate’ for the UK and Ireland, the revolutionary exercise machine, which has also been of great interest to visiting football teams and fitness fanatics alike.
With a further two Premiership teams already confirmed for later on in the year, the Club is amongst the many businesses to benefit from Ipswich Town returning to the Premiership.

Government support for Council taxpayers

Whilst Government support for Councils nationally may have increased significantly, the position for Babergh District Council is disappointing.
Corporate Director, Geoff Kistner, says that the Council was hoping for a 4% increase in the level of Government support to reflect inflation and essential service priorities.   However, the increase is likely to be only 3.3%, which is at the bottom end of the scale of increases and which is only marginally more than the current inflation rate of 3.1%.
Nevertheless, in terms of the effect on the Council Taxpayer in Babergh, Mr Kistner says that the Council will continue to work to its Financial Strategy of Council Tax increasing by inflation plus up to 2% if that proves to be necessary to protect essential services.   That strategy was strongly supported by the public last year.

Christmas came early to Scope children with the help of IBS

Scope has received an extra boost to its fundraising activity, with the donation from Ipswich Building Society.
Amber Death, Marketing Assistant presented the after-school children’s club with a selection of toys and play equipment (totalling to £200) along with Tycoon Racoon, the Society’s mascot who made a special appearance to entertain the children and join in the fun.
Scope, a voluntary organization founded in 1952, provides help and support for children with Cerebral Palsy living in the area.   The Charity runs an after school club and two holiday clubs for children, providing much-needed respite for families.   Currently the Centre has around 80 children, all with different needs.
Commenting on the project Jo Leah, Marketing Manager at Ipswich Building Society, said “We hope our donation will go a long way to put smiles on the faces of the children with much-needed equipment and toys for the organization.”

Council seeks change to law on phone masts

Babergh District Council has written to the Government to ask that it change the law as it currently stands in relation to the erection of  mobile phone masts.
The letter calls for the Government to make fundamental  changes to the regulations which at the moment allow mobile phone companies to erect new masts without full planning permission.
The Council believes that mobile phone masts merit extensive consultation before a decision is made, yet the present regulations make it difficult for this to happen and therefore prevent proper local debate.
“The situation presently is not like other planning applications where we have eight weeks to decide, with an option to extend that period,” says Clive Arthey, Chairman of Development Committee for Babergh District Council.   “While we do tell the town or parish council concerned, we cannot carry out the same amount of public consultation as with a normal planning application.   We can only object to a mobile phone mast on grounds of siting and design.”

The Council takes the view that there is a real case for change over the time allowed and the “deemed approval” provisions.   The Council’s opinion is that the procedures involved can easily result in public confusion and an increasing perception of a lack of transparency in the planning process.
The Council is asking that the Government extend the deadline for a decision for masts under 15 metres in height from six to eight weeks as they do not believe that it will lead to any significant delay in the process.   The Government has yet to respond to the Council’s letter.
Four separate proposals, at sites in Hadleigh, Glemsford, Stoke by Nayland and Capel St Mary, have all been the topic of local debate in recent months.

Hadleigh Charity Shop

43A High Street, Hadleigh.  Tel:  01473 829292

All the volunteers of the shop – listed below – hope you had a very good Christmas and will now enjoy a Prosperous New Year.
Barbara, Barry, Grace, Reggie, Olga, Sue, David, Betty, another Barbara, Maureen, Ella and April, not forgetting Ellie who helped us until she went off to University.
To thank all these good people for their invaluable help over the last few months we all went to dinner at The White Hart in Hadleigh on 7^th December.   The management did us proud (thank you Alf and staff) and we had a very good evening.
With your help we had an extra marvellous few weeks leading up to Christmas, receiving more donations and making more money than ever.   We cannot thank you all enough, and we are sure that this year, 2001, will be as good, if not better.

Babergh businesses get ‘on-line’ help from Council

Babergh District Council is close to completing a new edition of its comprehensive Manufacturers and Suppliers Directory 2001 which is aimed at boosting inter-trading between local Babergh companies.
“We have had a lot of positive feedback from companies who have made new contacts and won new orders as a result of appearing in the Directory”, says Malcolm Perrins, Economic Development Officer at Babergh District Council.   “We anticipate publishing the new edition sometime in January 2001.   We would be very pleased to receive information on any new local company that we have not contacted and who provide goods and services to other businesses before then.”
About 1400 local company entries have already been received – double the number of businesses listed in mid-90s editions.
The Directory is now available ‘on line’ at the Council’s web site at www.babergh-south-suffolk.gov.uk
Entries can be submitted by 3-mail through the web site itself or by contacting Malcolm Perrins or Sue Dawes on 01473 825868 or 825872 respectively.   Entry in the Directory is free.   Copies will ultimately also be available through local libraries.

Hadleigh Art Club

Tea Dance

From January onwards, each month there will be a
Tea Dance held in the Guildhall on Saturday afternoon.
Music will be provided, together with afternoon tea and entertainment.
The first of these afternoons will take place on
Saturday 20^th January starting at 2.30pm
Tickets £4.50 each or £8 for two can be purchased on the door or by telephoning 828418 for more details

Music in Layham

St Andrew’s Church
2001 A.D. at a glance
Friday 2^nd March
“A Touch Classical”.  Guitar and Mandolin.   Tom Veasey and John Mills.   7.30pm.   Layham Village Hall.   A supper event.
Sunday 1^st April
“Music for Pleasure”.   Violin, Pianoforte, Two Accordions.   Caroline Mitchell, Louise Saville.  Prize Stars from R.N.C.M. now in full career.   3pm.   St Andrews
May – Friday 11^th/Saturday 12^th
WISSAM BOUSTANY VISIT “In Search of Inspiration” (4^th visit).  
Fri 11^th May -Schools Introduction to Music (closed).   Day.   URC, Hadleigh
Fri 11^th May - Masterclass for Young Musicians (open).   6.30pm.  URC, Hadleigh
Sat 12^th May – Rehearsals and Classes for Young Musicians.   Closed venue.   Day.   URC, Hadleigh
Sat 12^th May – FULL CONCERT – Wissam Boustany (flute).   Andrea King (piano) with Michelle Simpson (flute) FLUTE CHOIR.   7.30pm.   URC, Hadleigh
Saturday 7^th July
Donna Stoering – “In Concert”   The great American pianist includes her renowned Rachmaninov Concerto No 1 in D Minor.   7.30pm.   St Andrew’s.   Refreshments
July/August – Monday 30^th July to Friday 3^rd August
MUSIC AND DRAMA for children on holiday (3^rd Year).   With professional guidance they compose, produce and present their very own OPERA.   Andrea King and Tutors.   Days.   St Andrew’s and Village Hall
Sunday 9^th September
“Classical and Popular Unite” – Andrew Sterling and Friends show how classical arises from popular and popular becomes classical.   Illustrated from Elizabethan songs and his own jazz, rock and classical compositions.   Fascinating!   1.15pm.   Wine, Cheese, Pate Luncheon followed by afternoon concert at Water House Farm, Layham (courtesy of Mr & Mrs Cranfield).
Sunday 14^th October
“Songs of Praise” with Andrea King.   Pianoforte and Organ.   You choose your favourite hymns.   6.30pm.   St Mary’s, Hadleigh
Saturday 17^th November
“Warm Music for a Winter Evening”.   Pianoforte, Violin, Viola, Flute. Andrea King, Fran Messenger, Michelle Simpson.   7.30pm.   St Andrew’s.   Refreshments.
In Reserve:
A concert members luncheon or supper with a soloist – subject to demand, and offer of a private venue.
Our work in general is supported by Babergh District Council.
Correspondence:
3 Old Orchard, Upper Layham, Ipswich IP7 5LB

Anyone for Bridge?

Would you be interested in attending lessons?
Would you be interested in a weekly game?
Is Whist your preferred game?
Do you know of a local venue, available for hire?
With sufficient support, I will be pleased to examine the possibility of a series of lessons, for either beginners or improvers, and/or the formulation of a Local Bridge (Duplicate or Chicago) or Whist Club.
To register interest, or for further information, please contact Chris Burkitt, The Birches, Main Road, Bucklesham, Ipswich IP10 0DN.   Tel:  01473 659081.
Email:   Bridgebreaks@btinternet.com

Farmers Market

The January Farmers Market has unfortunately been
CANCELLED
But should resume as normal in February 2001

Mayor’s Month

Happy New Year to everyone!
I would like to thank the Lions, Chamber of Commerce, Stallholders and Shopkeepers, and most of all the families who turned out on the 1^st December for the LIGHTS!
Despite it being a rather wet and windy evening the numbers were amazing.   Father Christmas, Deputy Mayor Jan Byrne, President Martin Freeth, Acting Chairman Andrew Hunkin worked very hard to make sure all went well.   I also thank the Boxted Methodist Silver Band and singers from the Choral Society for the musical contribution.
I also enjoyed the Last Night of the Proms and the Choral Society’s Christmas Concert in St Mary’s.
In February I hope to have a Victorian Bazaar in the Town Hall and will be looking for support from local charities and organisations.
   Ann Stephenson, Town Mayor

Hadleigh Dancing Club 2001

For ticket reservations telephone Marian Peterson – 01473 822017

Hadleigh storyteller spins a yarn at Weavers

Friday 26^th January
Weavers draws on the talent in Hadleigh for the latest in their storytelling evenings on 26^th January.   With professional teller Aravis, this promises to be a truly indulgent evening where a gourmet meal will be interspersed with the storyteller’s yarns.
Already established as one of the most popular evening events at Weavers, this is the perfect way to wind down after a hectic week and a great opportunity to enjoy the traditional art of storytelling.   Lounging in armchairs by a blazing log fire, this is a fun way to start the weekend.   But please book early on 01473 827247…this is only open to a limited number of people.
And don’t forget that every Friday night is music night at Weavers.  Come in for a drink or a meal and listen to guitarist and singer Richard Cox.
NB:   Weavers is closed from December 23^rd until January 9^th.

To all dog owners

On Friday 24^th November our little cat went out at 8am and by 8.20am she was dead.
She had been attacked for the second time, the first time was by a dog and we are sure it was the same this time.   She only went out along the back of the Guildhall and the top of the allotments where we live.  
This has caused us a great distress and we only hope that owners keep their dogs on leads around this area so we and others do not have to suffer the same as we have had to.
   The Day Family

Babergh Watch

A New Year Message
We at the Babergh Crime Reduction Unit wish everyone a crime-free New Year.   We offer our thanks to you for your efforts to reduce crime during the year 2000.
Neighbourhood Watch membership has increased and developed throughout the Babergh District and has proved to be an important partner in crime reduction.
It is crucial that we do not drop our guard during the coming year.

Crime – let’s bring it down

The new logo has been unveiled for the first time for the new Vehicle Crime Reduction Campaign, ‘Don’t give them an Easy Ride’.
The Campaign was formally launched on 11^th October 2000.   You will be aware of it through media advertising and we shall be promoting its theme through our future Neighbourhood Watch Network, and Crime Reduction Panel Meetings.
They come, they go………..
The last few months have seen the arrival and departure of some Beat Officers.
In Hadleigh Town, Pc 254 John Arbon retired after many years service and the post has been filled by Pc 1217 Stuart Colbear.
Pc1212 Jay Mohtram took over the Hadleigh Rural South Beat at the beginning of October as Pc 513 Craig Scorer, his predecessor, decided he would go walkabout in Africa!
And……
A message from all the Hadleigh Beat Officers to their Co-ordinators and Watch Scheme members:
“Many thanks for all your continued support.   Keep up the good work!.   Have a Happy New Year”
Shed/Garage Alarms are back in stock
The MD-194 alarms are back in stock and are available from:
Capel St Mary, Hadleigh and Sudbury Police Stations or direct from the Crime Reduction office on 01284 774313.

Wanted Lunchtime Supervisor

For one hour per day at Whatfield School - Job share considered. 
Please apply to School Tel:  01473 823309