Local News - September 2000

A preliminary meeting was held by the Inspector on the 7^th August at the Babergh offices. Unfortunately Babergh officers had failed to notify any of the objectors or supporters and it was only those of us who had written directly to the Planning Inspectorate that knew about the meeting.

The purpose of the meeting was for the Inspector to indicate how the Inquiry would be conducted and to ascertain how many people wish to speak. She put great emphasis on avoiding duplication of evidence and asked the various parties involved to co-operate to avoid repetition.

Babergh have appointed a Barrister and will be using two independent experts, one on planning and one on noise.

Tesco and Buyright have each appointed Barristers and will each be calling a number of expert witnesses. The Hadleigh Society, the Residents Association, The Angling Club, the Suffolk Preservation Society, John Bloomfield representing the owners of Sun Court and several other individuals wishing to speak against the Tesco application at the Inquiry and some will be calling witnesses. The Tesco supporters group indicated that they wanted three people to speak.

We have since learnt that the Co-op, who had not been told about the meeting, intend to oppose both applications and have appointed a Barrister and their own independent experts.

So the fight is on, and if you wish to speak at the Inquiry then please write to Mr Palmer, the Case officer, at the Planning Inspectorate, Room 1100, Tollgate House, Houlton Street, Bristol BS2 9DJ.

If you wrote to Babergh about the applications, then the Inspector will see your letter. However if you would like to add to your previous comments or link them to support of the Buyright application, to reinforcing the results of the town poll, that would be helpful and your letter should be addressed as above.

We are surprised that the Tesco supporters group have asked the Town Council for a grant to fund their pro-Tesco campaign which seems to be increasingly propagating mis-information on Tesco’s behalf. Perhaps it would have been more appropriate for them to ask for financial help from the Tesco representative when Mr Smith was lunching with him the other week.

If you want any further information then please contact Jan or Joe Byrne on 822192 or John Bloomfield on 822063.

The Hadleigh Society

The cream teas are proving very popular both with residents, many of whom are regular customers, and with visitors to Hadleigh. As well as scones, jam and cream, homemade cakes and toasted tea cakes are available. Teas will continue to be served every day except Saturdays between 2.30pm and 5pm until Sunday 24^th September. Well behaved dogs and children are welcome.

This year, along with many thousands of other buildings throughout the country which are open to the public free of charge during Heritage Weekend, the Guildhall and the Deanery Tower will be open on Sunday 17^th September. The Guildhall will be open for guided tours from 2pm to 5pm and the Deanery will be open from 2.30pm with tours every 30 minutes, the last tour starting at 4.30pm. Teas will be served in the Guildhall Garden.

We receive many complimentary comments about the garden which was created and is looked after by volunteers. Unfortunately a number of our regular gardeners are no longer able to help.

We are looking for more volunteers who would be able to spare an hour or so once a week or once a fortnight to tidy and weed the garden. We also have a number of fruit trees which will need pruning during the winter.

It is designed for residents who want somewhere to enjoy a lighter meal produced by top chef, Matt Derges. For those more special occasions the restaurant continues to offer fine dining at affordable prices in the unique ambience of its 500-year-old building.

"Our customers have often said how much Hadleigh needs a wine bar" says Cyndy Hilton, who manages the restaurant. "It has already proved very popular since we opened on August 11^th."

The restaurant, which re-opened under the chef Matt Derges 18 months ago, is already popular with Hadleigh residents and draws customers from throughout Suffolk and Essex. Weekend visitors from the UK and abroad take advantage of the luxury guest rooms for a weekend away.

The chef has built a considerable reputation for fine food using local suppliers. One of his current dishes features in Community News each month, so you can try it for yourself and then visit Weavers to see how the chef does the same dish.

Weaver’s wine list, already recognised as excellent in both price and content, has been extended for the new bar area and now offers a wide range of established and new world wines.

Although the new proprietors have refurbished the restaurant and kitchens, Weavers retains the beauty of the original timber framed cottages.

It is a perfect setting for the special evenings that are now a regular feature of Weavers, ranging from music and song with acoustic guitarist Richard Cox, to storytelling evenings with professional storytellers. The restaurant’s fashion evenings for ladies have proved hugely popular and the regular wine tastings have built up a following among fun-loving wine drinkers.

Weavers is also increasingly popular among local companies for business meals. There are facilities for private dining and lunches are available on prior booking.

The Course for the Autumn Term will be Sutton Hoo and the Anglo Saxon Kingdom of East Anglia.

Venue: East House, George Street, Hadleigh

Time: 2.30pm – 4pm

Starting: 27^th September for 10 weeks

Cost: £25.00

Phone 01473 822573 for details

Semer Village Hall

Sunday 10^th September

2pm – 4pm

Table/pitch £5 (pre-booked) £6 on day

For further details contact:

Johannah Stonehewer-Smith on 01449 741493

Are you in the Christmas spirit yet? Probably not! But just in case you might like to plan ahead, Hadleigh Playgroup is arranging a coach trip to "Cite Europe" in Calais, France.

We will be travelling on Saturday 18^th November via the Shuttle, and will be leaving Hadleigh at 7am while returning home at approximately 9pm.

There will be a short stop off in the town of Calais for anyone wishing to purchase tobacco products. Then on to one of Calais’ largest shopping complexes, which boats a large and extremely cheap hypermarket, a Tesco’s Wines and Spirits Store and Toys R Us, to name but a few.

This trip is not just for Playgroup parents. Anyone wishing to join us for the day can do so by contacting Clare on Hadleigh 828626. The price is £17.50 per person, and a non-refundable deposit of £5 per person will secure your seat. All final payments must be made four weeks prior to the date of travel. We hope you will be able to join us for a pre-Christmas treat.

As most of you will know, there is to be a public meeting held in the Town Hall during week-commencing October 30^th, in connection with the proposed Buyright/Tesco supermarket siting etc. etc.

As the organisers of this meeting expect a large turnout, they have expressed a wish to use the Town Hall Complex which we (H>A.D.S) have had booked now for several months. We, as a responsible and public-minded Society, feel that it would be in the best interest of the people and the town to forego our booking and make the hall available for this meeting.

I apologise for any inconvenience this causes to both the cast and members of the Society, and also to those members of the public who always give our productions loyal and much-appreciated support.

I hope you will agree with us that as the matter is of such importance to the town, the action we are taking is the right one and the decision has been made on that basis by a responsible and public-minded Society.

May I remind everybody, however, that we have a Pantomime scheduled for February/March 2001 – "Jack and the Beanstalk" – also a potential musical for the end of the year 2001.

You can keep up to date on all H.A.D.S. matters by regularly reading your copy of Hadleigh Community News, or making contact with any Committee Member.

Pantomime - February 2001

It’s fun - It’s colourful - It’s exciting

Be a part of helping us to bring some sunshine into a dull and depressing February

Make lots of new friends from ages 5 to…….well….perhaps I had better not mention that!

If you want to hear more, come along to Priory Farm, Benton Street, Hadleigh on Wednesday 6^th September at 7.30pm

Be there – or be square!

If you cannot attend or want more details, please contact

Martine (01473 824578 or Keith (01473 822396)

There will be a long-distance sponsored ride in aid of Hadleigh Riding for the Disabled on Sunday 17^th September 2000. The ride is approximately 16 miles, starting at the RDA Centre in Shelley, and is across some of the most beautiful farmland in Suffolk, through woods, tracks and country lanes.

Entry fee £10 in advance or £12 on the day. Complimentary tea and cakes will be available after the ride and a prize will be given for the highest sponsorship raised.

Please sent SAE to Mrs L D Bensusan, Willows End, Hadleigh Heath, Suffolk IP7 5NY

In and around the wooded grounds of

Elmsett Methodist Church

Saturday 16^th & Sunday 17^th September

11am – 5pm

Lunches - Refreshments - Stalls

Games - Raffle

In aid of Elmsett Methodist Church Development Fund

John: All the above appeared in August

2000 B.C. Here, eat this root!

1000 A.D. That root is heathen. Here say these words
1850 A.D. Those words are superstition. Here, drink this potion
1940 A.D. That potion is snake oil. Here, swallow this pill.
1985 A.D. This pill is ineffective. Here take this anti-biotic
2000 A.D. That anti-biotic doesn’t work any more. Here eat this root.

There is more to medicine than the choice of remedy. Homeopathic remedies, for example, can be given for a single symptom and sometimes they work for simple ailments like mouth ulcers, constipation, indigestion and bruising.

For more serious ailments they are chosen with the whole person in mind. This is the role of a homeopath.

This method of prescribing was known to Hippocrates, the father of Greek medicine. He said this is the method most likely to work.

Places of worship all over Suffolk will be open 10am – 6pm. This includes the Hospice Chapel. The idea is that cyclists of walkers or wheelchair users can visit as many churches and chapels as they wish, with sponsorship and donate the proceeds to be shared between the Trust and a church/chapel of their choice. St Elizabeth Hospice was given nearly £300 from this event last year. So come out, you cyclists and walkers, plan a route round the area, enjoy the exercise and raise some cash at the same time.

We have lots of ladies taking part in this sponsored event that takes place on the weekend of the 9/10^th September at Rendlesham. Come along and drive the vehicle of your dreams, from sports cars to buses, HGVs to Quad bikes. There are just a few places left. Are you feeling adventurous enough to take part in this exciting day out?

Details of both sponsored events from the fundraising office on 01473 723600

A charity Golf Day hosted jointly by the Hospice and RNLI will take place at Seckford Golf Club, Great Bealings. Coffee will be available on arrival and there will be a hot and cold buffet. Enquiries and bookings for teams of four may be made through Stuart Bonsall on 01473 727776. Entry is £25 per person, and tee off starts at 9am

This is a unique rally in the heart of the Suffolk Countryside. Exhibits such as steam engines, heavy horses, tractors and rural crafts will be working throughout the two days. The event benefits St Elizabeth Hospice, EACH, CCIS and Suffolk Accident Rescue Service. There will be a wide range of attractions to suit all age groups and there is good access for the disabled. 10am – 5pm both days. Admission £5, £2 for children.

This is an international event raising money for local Hospices. We have performances in five venues around the county. Eye Friends are organising a performance in Eye Church. There will be Come and Sing performances at Earl Stonham, Nayland and St John’s Church, Cauldwell Hall Road in Ipswich. Our largest event will also be a ‘Come and Sing’ and will take place at Orwell Park School under the conductor, Headmaster Andrew Auster. More details of all these events will be available locally and from the Hospice fundraising office on 01473 723600.

Cruse Bereavement Care has received an extra boost to its fundraising activity, with a donation from Ipswich Building Society.

Amber Death, Marketing Assistant, presented the children’s group with a selection of play equipment along with Tycoon Racoon, the Society’s mascot who made a special appearance to entertain the children and join in the fun.

Cruse helps people through the pain and grief bereavement brings. The Ipswich Branch has 10 years of helping bereaved people through the difficult times, but as a charity depends heavily upon the generosity of local companies, individuals and voluntary contributions. The centre is open to anyone who needs help or information (01473 212888).

Commenting on the project Paul Winter, Sales & marketing Director at Ipswich Building Society said "We hope our donation will help to expand the work of this very important organisation."

We are a quaint little store
Which stock collectable gifts galore
Situated in Hadleigh High Street
We have a selection which is hard to beat
From beautiful Steiff bear and Ty beanies too
Doll houses and Miniatures, we have something for you.
Attic Treasures and exquisite dolls to suit all tastes
Come to browse, you would not leave in haste.
If your old teddies and dolls need attention
We have a toy hospital, we thought we would mention
Care and quality of service too
Come visit us soon, we would love to serve you.

Sue Abdulrahman

Carole is a qualified Surgical Chiropodist and is a new resident of Kersey, having recently moved from Woodbridge, where she has a visiting practise.

Carole is planning to open a surgery in Hadleigh and is currently consolidating her home visiting practise, which she is hoping will expand from Hadleigh to the surrounding villages – believing there are many people, particularly the elderly, who are not mobile in terms of travelling to a surgery.

She is also happy to arrange evening or Saturday morning appointments for people who find daytime appointments difficult. Carole would also be pleased to offer advice on foot care and to give talks to any groups or organisations locally.

She would also be pleased to hear from anyone who may be interested in Reflexology therapy later on in the year.

For more information Carole can be reached on 01473 *******

The University of the Third Age for retired people to enjoy learning new subjects is progressing well. The next meeting is on Monday 4^th September at 2pm at East House.

Groups have already started, but you are welcome to come and join. All the groups are meeting in the daytime at different venues. We will be holding a main meeting in East House on the first Monday of every month at 2pm.

If you want to know about the groups please come to one of our monthly Monday meetings or telephone 824832.

Mrs Joan Pitcher

Madrigals Folk Song Motets

Programme notes: John Wilbye (1574-1638) lived and died an East Anglian gentleman, but was part of a great international surge of small intimate group singing and music making when households throughout Europe made their own entertainment – family, servants, friends all expected to take part – no where more than in England.

We are offered songs from England, Italy, Spain and Germany – composers such as Wilbye (himself), Byrd, Palestrina, Monteverdi and others.

Many of the airs reflect traditional themes and we shall hear settings of folk songs in the concert

Especially in the early years of the 20^th century there was a strong revival of interest in these delicate arts of song. We shall hear pieces by such composers as Gustave Holst.

IF YOU VALUE FINESSE IN MUSIC DO NOT MISS THIS CONCERT

Admissions: Adults Members £5

Non-members £6

Children with Members FREE

Others £2

Information: Tel: 01473 823869. Mail: 3 Old Orchard, Upper Layham, Ipswich IP7 5LB. Bookings from 1^st October.

Interval refreshments available

We are an independent privately-owned agency, run by a qualified nurse and accredited by Social Services, which visits private and social service clients, providing the same service. We are a local agency based in Hadleigh, having local knowledge of local needs, work closely with District Nurses at Hadleigh Health Centre and liase with the General Practitioners as required.

We provide home care services for elderly and disabled people in their own homes. This allows a certain flexibility for people to maintain their independence at home, with support, for tasks that are becoming difficult to manage, i.e. personal care (washing, dressing etc), some domestic tasks (make beds, laundry, some housework, meal preparation, shopping, ironing). This supports people who live alone and relatives so they can have some free time.

For more information contact: Helping Hands Home Care Service, 61C High Street, Hadleigh, Ipswich IP7 5DY. Tel: 01473 827199. Fax: 01473 827129

Lost somewhere in Hadleigh town on 7^th August

Gold engagement ring with one large central diamond, with 3 smaller diamonds on each side.

I am willing to pay £100 to whoever found it. I had it for 17 years, and I am so upset to have lost it.

Mrs Alicia Dye, 01473 823234

Commemorating The 60^th Anniversary of The Battle of Britain

1100 hours, 17^th September 2000

The Hadleigh War Memorial

In memory of those who gave their lives that we may live with freedom and justice today. Colours will be paraded to the War Memorial for a Drumhead Commemorative Service conducted by The Reverend Robin Taylor. This will be followed by the laying of Poppy Wreaths, the playing of the Last Post, the traditional two minutes silence and the sounding of "Reveille."

Arrangements have been made with RAF Strike Command for a Flypast of a Hurricane and Spitfire of The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, to cover the length of the High Street and pass over the War Memorial at approximately 1320 hours. The timing of the flight is variable, subject to flight commitments, but will take place, weather permitting.

Thursday 19^th October

Old Town Hall, 8pm

By Peter Northeast

In Part 1 we heard how their wills revealed that some of Hadleigh’s past residents were millionaires, by today’s values.

Find out more in Part 2.

*********

Tuesday 28^th November

Old Town Hall, 8pm

By Clive Paine

Henry VIII’s younger sister and association with Suffolk

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor (Ann Stephenson and Jan Byrne) are arranging a Town Christmas Fair to be held in conjunction with the "Switching on of the Christmas Lights" (arranged, as usual, by the Chamber of Commerce).

Societies and Groups wishing to raise money or publicity for their organisations are asked to support the Fair by having a stall. We ask for payment of £10 per stall to cover expenses – the surplus to go to Charity.

The "stalls" will be round the Market Place and Guildhall, or inside the Guildroom if it is wet. The lights will be switched on at 7pm. The Boxted Silver Band will be playing and altogether it should be a fun occasion.

Please return the form below by mid-September. You will need your own table and some form of safe lantern would be nice.

Bromley and Fitch Tile Merchants has come to Hadleigh High Street, Suffolk.

This is a new business venture for husband and wife partnership Andrew and Kerry.

The shop is described as a boutique of tiles with an ambience of tradition set in a 300-year old Tudor-beamed building which has recently been extensively renovated.

The shop, many years ago, used to be a bank, but now the listed building has been refurbished, designed and colour co-ordinated to restore its period state.

Fixed displays of natural Italian limestone, Traditional antique Pammets, slate and ceramic tiles, coupled with examples of Artist Ashe Ericksson’s Trompe L’Oeil subjects and interesting unusual features, makes a worthwhile visit.

Our first meeting back after the summer break is on the 6^th of September.

We meet at East House once a fortnight at 7.45pm. New members are always welcome to come along and join us.

The club is suitable for anyone from 18 years onwards. We plan a variety of interesting speakers and demonstrations. We go on trips to places of interest, shows, etc., and once a year we have our very popular Treasure Hunt.

On the 6^th September, which is Enrolment Night, we will be having a ‘Beetle Drive’. At the following meeting, which is on the 20^th September, ‘Niki’ will be coming to demonstrate Bees Wax Paintings.

For further information please contact Hadleigh 823429.

Last Outing – Fruit Farm Visit
14^th September 2000
Starting at 1pm outside Sydney Brown Court, Hadleigh
Full details from Winnie Lockwood, Hadleigh 01473 824916
Total cost £5.
Come and join us for a half-day out!

After the summer break, the Orchestra begins rehearsals again on Monday 11^th September at 7.30pm in the small hall of Hadleigh Primary School, Station Road. Each rehearsal lasts two hours.

The Orchestra will be preparing for a concert towards the end of November at Tattingstone, and for its Christmas concert in early December.

If you play an instrument, would you like to join us? You will be very welcome. Or perhaps you used to play an instrument and would like to get back into it? Don’t be shy – do give us a ring if you want more information – or just turn up on the first Monday. My number is 827242, and secretary Andrew’s number is 658165.

We play a variety of music, so that there is always ‘something for everyone’ and the standard of pieces does vary – some are very easy, and some are…well, not too bad and music is available for home practice.

So if you are thinking about it – this is your chance. Looking forward to hearing from you.

John Druce, Chairman

Whatfield Village Hall

Musical entertainment - Licensed Bar - Raffle

Ticket price £6 each (includes one glass wine)

In aid of Save the Children Fund

Friday 15^th September 2000

In the Hadleigh United Reformed Church

At 7.30pm

Tickets available at The Idler Bookshop

Price £2.50

Thanks to everyone who has helped in any way to make the Saturday Coffee Mornings such a success.

Because they have gone so well we are continuing for the month of September.

Coffee/Tea and Scones served each Saturday in September between 10am and 12 noon in St Mary’s Church.

Hadleigh has supplied the University of Auckland, New Zealand, with three staff members. All were born in Hadleigh and retain close links with the town. They are Bernard Brown (Law) and James Wright and George Whittell (both chemistry).

Bernard, son of Beatrice Brown and the late Sydney Brown, went to Auckland in 1962, the year James (then 7) arrived there with his sister and their parents Gerald and Doreen Wright who had kept a grocery in Hadleigh High Street. George is the son of Mr and Mrs Whittell of Ann Beaumont Way. He was recently appointed to Auckland University as a post-doctoral fellow.

Dr Wright and Dr Whittell have both achieved high academic honours and Bernard Brown was made, in April, an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. All three scholars attended primary school in Hadleigh. George went to Hadleigh High School and later to the Ipswich School.

Bernard thinks the first Hadleighites to emigrate to New Zealand were the Grimseys (a brother and sister?) who lived near Rotorun. John Betts, a son of Bill and Betty, the Gasworks, Bridge Street, has worked as a wool merchant and farmer in Christchurch for nearly 40 years. Does any reader know of others?

Raydon

An important month for the future of Hadleigh as we know it. Along with the Deputy Town Clerk (Sue Clements) I attended the supermarket pre-Inquiry meeting at Babergh held by the Government Inspector.

She told us very clearly how she intended to conduct the Inquiry starting at 10am on 31^st October 2000 in the Town Hall. I hope she makes the right decision for the town.

The Town Council also met to discuss the Electoral Review now being carried out by the Government so that we shall all be more equally represented by our District Councillors.

The Farmers’ Market was again successfully held on Sunday 13^th August – the next is on 10^th September. I wish I could find a vegetable grower wishing to have a stall.

The lime tree by the Deanery Tower caused much worry when it became known that the Diocesan tree surgeon proposed it should be reduced in height by half. However, following a meeting, I think (and hope) that only a quarter will be cut. It would be better if it was left alone of course (my opinion).

I think that’s enough for now from me.

Ann Stephenson, Town Mayor

Members and visitors are invited to attend the meetings shown below
Sun 24^th Sept Outdoor Meeting

Full day BIRDING with John Turner. Tel 01473 310635
Mon 2^nd Oct Illustrated Talk

CONSERVING THE NATIVE BLACK POPLAR – Peter Innis
Sat 21^st Oct Outdoor Meeting

FUNGUS FORAY at Brandon Country Park. Leave Hadleigh 1pm. RD £3.50. Leader G Taylor. Tel 01473 823787
Mon 6^th Nov Illustrated talk

THE ROLE OF A POLICE WILDLIFE LIASON OFFICER – Barry G Kaufmann Wright
Mon 4^th Dec Illustrated talk

MOUNT KUPE AND BIRDS OF THE CAMEROON – Nick Gibbons
Talks held at TOWN HALL (DINING ROOM)
MARKET PLACE, HADLEIGH AT 7.30PM

July and August have again been really busy months with several Auto Cross meetings, Wattisham families open day, Pony Club events, Barking Tye Fair, Lowestoft Air Show, and The Deanery Fete requiring first aid cover.

Substantial manpower is needed and this is currently lacking, hence the leaflet in this magazine. Please don’t just throw it away – give it your careful consideration and if you think you may be interested, come along to one of our regular Monday meetings at our training centre in Aldham Road, Hadleigh, commencing at 7.30pm.

Many thanks to the Hadleigh Charity Shop for sponsoring this appeal. It is very much appreciated.

Our next Lifesaver first aid course begins on Thursday 28^th September at 7.30pm to 9.30pm and runs for eleven weeks. The cost is £45 and some places are available. Telephone Sue Moore 822221 or Terry Powell 828063 for details.

With a lot of luck, and blood pressure permitting, when you read this letter one of our regular volunteers will be in hospital having had a hip replacement operation. Hopefully in a week or two’s time she will be back in action and helping to sell all the wonderful things you continue to donate to the shop. In the meantime her place will be filled by lots of willing volunteers, so it will be business as usual.

The standard of the donations continues to be excellent and the quantity really is overwhelming. One or two of you have not had goods collected at the moment because we have been so inundated that the shop and two extra storage places are full. Bear with us, and we hope to rectify the situation soon.

Latest projects being helped:

S.A.I.D. – This is to help pay for computer equipment for Sam who lives in Whatfield and who is autistic.

There is plenty of money still in the coffers so please let us know if there are other ways in which we can help with monetary support.

Thank you all so much for your continued help and support – it really is amazing.

From All the Volunteers

1.30pm-5pm

First race at 2pm

At

A fun-filled afternoon for the whole family.

Tote, Grand Draw, Bouncy Castle, Tombola and many more side stalls.

Barbeque. Refreshments and Beer Tent

All proceeds to Stoke by Nayland CEVCP School

As announced in last month’s Community News, a reunion for all those who worked at Gurteens Clothing Factory in Hadleigh has been arranged for Saturday 11^th November in the Hadleigh Town Hall complex. Admission by ticket only.

Why not come along for a social evening, and catch up with those with whom you used to enjoy working with. There are still a number of tickets available and can be booked by ringing either Margaret Tildesley 01473 823249 or Maureen Wilson 01473 827458

11-year-old Yvette Claireaux, who lives in Hadleigh. Yvette has successfully auditioned for the County Ballet Scholarship Scheme and starts her extra classes there in September.

Yvette has also auditioned, and been successful, to dance with the English Youth Ballet, who will be performing the Nutcracker in Ipswich in November.

Naomi Wallis was also successful in her audition, and has been accepted for her 6^th year in the County Council Suffolk Ballet Education Scheme.

Last month I told you of how we were setting up an appeal fund to purchase a communication aid for our son Sam, who is autistic.

We have now raised £2300 towards our target of £7000 and we have arranged fund raising activities in the coming months.

We are having a Dance with ‘Fish ‘N’ Supper’ (music provided by "That Band") at Whatfield Village Hall on Saturday 23^rd September, and there will also be a ‘Millplan Fashion Evening’ at St Mary’s School, Hadleigh on Wednesday 4^th October.

Entry to both events are ticket only (price £8 for the supper and dance, and £2 for entry to Millplan) and these can be obtained from Trish Whittle 01473 827826, or Janet Webb 01473 828094. Cheques should be made payable to S.A.I.D. (Treasurer Frances Williams, Birklands, The Green, Whatfield, IP7 6QS. Any donations would also be gratefully received.

Finally, we would like to thank everybody, both known to us or anonymous, for their generosity and help in providing the Appeal Fund with such a marvellous start.

Alan, Angie, Sam Mondon and Committee of S.A.I.D.

When you hear the word ‘learn’ you could be forgiven for thinking of ‘detention’ and ‘assembly’, but nothing could be further from the truth if you join literally thousands of people who benefit from Suffolk College’s Adult Education Leisure Learning Programme.

Leisure Learning is all about adults, of any age, learning more about the things that interest them, including the favourites Yoga, Computing, Keep Fit or even Bridge. They spend an evening, or time during the day, with friends, old and new, developing their talents or perhaps discovering ones they never knew they had! It works out very affordable too. Doesn’t that sound like something you’d rather not miss out on?

Leisure Learning at Suffolk College, the county’s leading 16-plus educational organisation, could be just what you need to learn a new skill or you could do something relaxing, allowing you a little time to yourself. The decision is yours!

For a free brochure call Suffolk College on 01473 343666.

Coram Street Montessori Nursery School will be opening on the 12^th September as planned, thanks to some tremendous work by builders, decorators, and plumbers.

Everything is at last ready – the walls are painted, the shelves are laden with materials and the child-friendly sinks are just waiting to be filled.

The last two months have been quite a struggle and a little stressful, but it has definitely all been worth it! The school has exceeded my expectations in appearance and I am eagerly anticipating the arrival of the children who will make the granary come alive and be ‘a school’. All that remains is to do some serious weeding in the garden and keep the grass mown reading for some outdoor play while the weather is still kind to us.

Once the school is up and running we will have an open day, so do come and look round and see for yourselves what it is all about.

The work is quite varied, with tasks ranging from building deer-proof fences, vegetation clearance, path maintenance, pond management, plus a whole lot more. You’ll also learn a great deal about woodland management and conservation work generally. All volunteers receive health and safety information and are given any training needed.

If you aren’t able to do any practical work, but have a skill that you can offer such as insect or bird identification then I’d love to hear from you.

Last year the Wolves Wood Volunteers worked a staggering 661 hours. Without this input the reserve would not get managed properly and doubtless the bird populations would drop. It is only with your help that we can protect the coppiced areas from deer grazing, provide the right conditions for butterflies and keep the ponds in just the right state for all the wonderful plants and insects that live in them.

Dates for work parties:

Meet at 09.00 at the Wolves Wood car park, signposted on the A1071 (Ipswich Road), 2 miles east of Hadleigh. Wear old clothes, stout shoes when its dry, Wellingtons will be essential from autumn onwards, waterproofs. Also bring packed lunch, drinks. We’ll provide first aid kit and trained first aider, tools training. Dogs (except guide dogs) are not allowed in Wolves Wood.

Contact Rick Vonk on 01255 886043 for further details.

Do you know of any case that has been outstanding for more than 12 months? The Babergh District Council Scrutiny performance task group wish to cut out such delays. Many thanks to people who have already given me information.

This month we want to highlight one of the features of the weekly Market, our coffee and tea counter. This is becoming more and more popular, and we even have a budding crossword school. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are freshly made to your requirements, black or white, weak or strong, with a biscuit (your choice) at reasonable prices. A selection of squashes is also available. Or why not have a slice of the selected sweetmeat (cake or pastry etc) available each week, the selection changed each week?

Nowhere else in Hadleigh can you buy cakes and pastries, fruit and vegetables, plants, eggs, knitwear, cards and gifts AND have a coffee and chat, all under the same roof. One-stop shopping at its best!

I am organising a Craft Fair on Saturday 11^th November 2000 at the Guildhall in Hadleigh between 10am and 4pm. If you are interested in having a stall and displaying your crafts at a cost of £12 per table, payable in advance, please contact me for further details and a booking form.

The profits raised on the day will be donated to the British Cardiac Patients Association (The Zipper Club), which is a support group for cardiac patients, their carers and families. It also regularly donates monies to both Ipswich and Papworth Hospital to help them buy much needed equipment.

The Lions Club of Hadleigh want to gauge support for a Carnival in 2001. All interested parties and individuals are invited to an open meeting to be held in the upstairs room of The George on Wednesday 27^th September, starting at 8pm.