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In TouchVolume 10 • Issue No. 7 • JULY 2020

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NEWSA WORD FROM THE EDITOR

Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP

In Touch Titles• Stowmarket & Stowupland• Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew• Melton & Woodbridge• Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley• Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham,

Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath• Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit• Needham Market & The Creetings• Shotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton,

Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone

• Martlesham• Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton• East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford

& Stratford St Mary• Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham• Capel St Mary (Capel Capers)• Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone

& Washbrook• Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead• Westerfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham

St Martin & Witnesham• Sproughton & Burstall

We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe

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Please recycle.

EDITOR: Sharon JenkinsT: 01473 400380Send editorial copy to:sharon@intouchnews.co.ukReaders are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

ADVERTISINGT: 01473 400380 E: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

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PRINTING ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379E: steve@colourplan.co.ukDisclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions.

While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints.

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© In Touch with Martlesham is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd

Friday 10 Julyis the advertising and editorial deadline for the August edition

TACKLING THE CORONAVIRUS – ‘STICK WITH IT SUFFOLK’

The Stick With It Suffolk campaign was launched in May 2020 by the Suffolk Resilience Forum, which includes Suffolk’s NHS, emergency and public services, because we are not out of the woods yet.

We are asked to keep following these instructions:

• Keepstayingathome

• Keepworkingfromhomewhereyoucan

• Keep2metresapartifyougoout

• Keepexercisingsafely

• Keepwashingyourhandswithsoapandwater

• Keepself-isolatingifyouoranyoneinyourhousehold hassymptoms

• Keeptravellingbycar,bikeorwalking

• Keepstayingsafeatwork

• Keepshieldingyourselfifyou’revulnerable

• Keepsupportinglocalbusinesses

• Keeplookingoutforeachother

People are asked to share their stories and how they are managing to stick with it, using the hashtag #StickWithItSuffolk on social media.

Stuart Keeble, Suffolk Director of Public Health, said: “On behalf of all the members of the Suffolk Resilience Forum, I’d like to say thank you to the people of Suffolk for the sacrifices they are making by following these instructions.

“But now, more than ever, it is important that we stick with it - the number of cases can very easily increase if we take our eye off the ball. This would be a backward step, with strict lockdown measures coming back into force.”

Dr Mark Shenton, Chair of the Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group, said:“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our communities for their continued support in helping our health and care system to manage this public health emergency.

“These are unprecedented times and the measures we have all taken so far are really making a difference. This is why it is so important to continue following government guidelines and keeping the two metre distance from each other.

“I am so proud of how our services are responding to this crisis and extremely heartened by the continued support that so many people are giving us by following these rules.

“Please continue to stay alert, continue to help control this virus and help us all save lives.”

There’s something about a Sunday morning which feels different, even before you realise it is a Sunday. Well, I had the same sensation when I woke on Monday 15 June. It felt different and all because it was the day when ‘non-essential’ shops were allowed to reopen. This development makes me extremely happy, Sunday happy, because I’ve hated walking by closed shops for so long, knowing how the enforced closure has impacted on owners and staff. Now our local shops have reopened, I urge you to support them so we can enjoy again the many benefits of having vibrant high streets and town centres.

We have to take baby steps for the moment and adhere to social distancing guidelines, but the purchasing choices we make have never been so critical for the local economy and local employment. The choices we make right now will determine whether those hardest hit by closure can survive and how quickly we can revive the sense of local community we’ve missed on our streets in the last three months.

As it was such a momentous day for our town centre shops, I made it the focus of my son’s home learning for the day. We wandered into town just to see the open doors and the new window displays and to enjoy the palpable sense of freedom. There was a long queue at the shoe shop, mostly mums with small children who needed to have their feet measured for long overdue summer shoes. We decided to leave that for another day and headed to the sewing shop where I purchased some funky fabric for face masks. Next up, and central to my mission, my favourite boutique with a list of missed and forthcoming birthdays in hand. I may have purchased a little something for myself too, a sort of token ‘freedom’ gift which is click-clacking on the keyboard as I type (and beginning to really annoy me!).

Jack was desperate to visit the sweet shop, which we did next, and then on to what we refer to as ‘the everything and anything shop’ for a new cafetier and sunflower seeds. Then coffee and off home with a spring in our step.

“It’s much better like this, isn’t it mum,” Jack said. It surely is and now we know how much we have missed having town centres and streets where people live, work and play, perhaps we can be more optimistic than ever about the future. Take care, stay safe and shop local (which you can do online if you are still shielding or in isolation).

4 In Touch online:

NEWS

Here’s another reminder of the Home But Not Alone helpline for people who need urgent help and support and do not have support available from friends, family or neighbours – 08008766926.

The restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic are easing. Many people will now be able to go out for walks with people other than their own household or visit friends and family in their gardens which will be a relief to many. By the time you read this, it is likely that more shops will be open, more children will be back at school, maybe even restaurants and cafes will be opening with strict new measures in place.

However, there are still many in our parish who will be shielding and in social isolation, are concerned about their health or that of loved ones and what the future holds. We need to keep taking all the necessary precautions to keep ourselves and others safe, particularly observing social distancing and washing hands with soap and water.

A big thank you to all our parishioners for what you have done to look after each other, in particular to those of you who are key or frontline workers.

ResignationofChairmanAfter seven years as chairman, Mike Irwin is stepping down from that role. We are glad to report that he will continue as a councillor but very sorry to lose him as the chairman. He has worked extremely hard, supporting a variety of working groups with his expertise and getting involved in all aspects of parish council work. Most recently he has helped revive the village fete and establish the community orchard. Although taking a bit of a step back, he will no doubt be still very involved with all things local.

ResignationofSarah-JoyMaddeauxWe are sorry to lose Sarah-Joy from 31 July 2020 as she is moving away from the parish for work. We will miss her helpful contributions to council work and support given during the current coronavirus pandemic.

Sarah-Joy’s resignation leaves the opportunity to call a by-election to fill the casual vacancy if ten electors in the parish write to the returning officer at East Suffolk council to request such an election. Under new legislation due to the coronavirus crisis, this election would be held on Thursday 6 May 2021 unless circumstances alter. If no by-election is called, the post can be filled by co-option. Please look out for notices in August on our noticeboards, on our website and Facebook page.

CouncillorVacanciesAt the moment we already have three vacancies which can be filled by co-option, i.e. existing councillors can accept you on to the council at our next full council virtual meeting (see below for details). Our work is very varied, dealing with parish recreation facilities and amenities, planning and highways issues, financial matters and more. Understandably, due to the current restrictions, your involvement at first is likely to be limited.

At the moment volunteers with an interest in planning matters would be welcome. In the coming year it is likely that we will have to decide on how to progress with an update to the Martlesham Neighbourhood Plan (MNP). The plan has proved to be an invaluable tool in protecting against some, sadly not all, inappropriate developments. It has ensured that the areas protected from development in Martlesham Heath have retained their status only because they are covered by our MNP. We have also received an extra £14,000 through Community Infrastructure Levy funding because of the MNP.

If there is any way in which you can get involved, in planning and/or other aspects, please do get in touch to informally find out more.

SuffolkCoastalLocalPlanExamination–ConsultationonModificationsA reminder that the deadline for the consultation on the Planning Inspectorate’s proposed modifications to the East Suffolk Council Local Plan for 2020 to 2036 is 5pm,Friday10July2020.As reported last month, we are assessing what these modifications mean for Martlesham. Full details of the consultation can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/SC-Local-Plan-Examination

Individual parishioners can make their own comments to ESC; if you do so please copy us in.

OngoingServicesHomeworking has continued for our staff. The flexibility shown has helped us maintain those of our activities which can continue under lockdown. We look forward to the time we can restore to use the play and exercise facilities we provide. Behind the scenes planning continues on projects to enhance the parish when possible, including addressing the climate emergency and transport issues, improvements to the recreation ground and the wildflower project. The recreation ground charity, of which the parish council is the sole trustee, has received a grant which will be a significant help towards improvements and maintenance.

We are very grateful to all the volunteers who have been watering the trees at Bright’s Orchard and those who have been keeping an eye on our play areas and trim trail equipment.

GranttoSuffolkAccidentRescueService(SARS)The council has agreed a grant of £350 to SARS, outside of its normal grant application process. The service’s resources are stretched combating the outbreak of coronavirus whilst continuing to operate a volunteer critical care response. They are totally reliant on voluntary donations and anticipate a significant loss of income due to limited opportunities to fundraise.

MeetingsWe held our first virtual full council meeting on 10 July. It was agreed to continue to hold monthly full council meetings via Zoom for the foreseeable future, with the exception of August. Committee meetings will be held as necessary and working groups will meet up more informally using Zoom.

NEXTVIRTUALMEETINGWednesday 15 July 2020 at 7.30pm; members of the public are welcome to observe and participate in the public forum.

To join this meeting, please contact the clerk no later than 5pm on Tuesday 14 July to receive an invitation.

CONTACTING THE COUNCIL

Clerk to Martlesham Parish Council, Parish Room, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham IP12 4PB

Telephone: 01473 612632 – please leave a message if no reply and we will get back to you as necessary

Email: clerk@martleshamcouncil.org.uk

Website: http://martlesham.onesuffolk.net

Please follow us on our Facebook page which is @Martlesham Parish. The full address is: www.facebook.com/MartleshamParish

MARTLESHAM PARISH COUNCIL

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OUT & ABOUT

Broomfield & Winfield SaplingsWe would like to thank all the residents who live near to Broomfield/Winfield who have helped out watering the saplings that were planted in March, especially during this dry spell which has been hard going. This is part of our long term plan around the management of gorse in the village. Other such ventures will follow later in the year.

Graingers&theRestrictiveCovenantsPlease note that Grainger’s currently deal with all breaches of the restrictive covenants. We have received complaints around chickens being kept in rear gardens which are not allowed as set out below:

“11. Not to keep any animals or livestock on the property or in any building thereon except the usual domestic pets which expression shall include cats dogs and cage birds.”

Graingers contact details can be found on our website.

AccesstoMHHLLandWe are also looking to put in some posts next to the footpath between Winfield and the Control Tower as private contractors have been using this to get around the closed gate. This is a reminder that if you are having private work carried out and access onto MHHL land is required please contact us in advance and we will assist them.

MaintenanceontheGreenFurther maintenance on the Green will also take place over the summer months which will include a safe fertiliser and weed killer being put down to help with re-growth. We continue to monitor the condition of the Green on an ongoing basis.

MartleshamHeath–AnInstantVillageThe following lines are adapted from an article written by Christopher Parker for the Architects’ Journal of September 1979:

Have the original ideals [behind the Martlesham Heath development] had to be sacrificed? Certainly, the discipline of the market place (where the selling price must match the customers’ will and ability to purchase and leave a profit to the developer) has had its influence and the generous cost yardstick built into the first phase has not [in 1979] yet been repeated. This would not seem to be of great concern as an enclave of 1000 pioneering families would

seem unlikely to form a coherent community in a short time scale of 10 years rather than centuries.

The grouping of dwellings in hamlets built to varying cost levels, allows a diversification of both large and small houses throughout the development and at several price levels, while at the same time maintaining some architectural compatibility. So far [in September 1979] all the houses have been sold but as the development grows it is intended to introduce some rented accommodation; not as another hamlet or council estate, but as an admixture within hamlets. The Bradford Property Trust Ltd has a reputation for being a good landlord and renting houses is not strange to it.

To what extent can this village concept be adopted elsewhere? In its entirety it would need an enlightened developer with the patience and resources which back this development. Nevertheless, it is now demonstrable that individual hamlets do provide a pleasing environment and command a modest premium over conventional housing estates: there seems no reason why such developments should not become common if developers have the courage to brief their architects correctly and retain them throughout the development.

The revolt against the conventional housing estate gains strength but the pressures to conform remain.

PaintedRocksintheWoodsWe have loved to see all the painted rocks appear in the woods (see the Facebook page Painted Rocks Martlesham) as well as the educational information about the trees, dinosaur eggs, Gruffalo trail, castle and bear hunt. It’s a great shame many of these things have been taken away by people who did not create them and we would ask that unless you created them they are left in place for others to also enjoy.

Can the creators of any items that may deteriorate please be sure to check them regularly and remove them when they have passed their best to prevent them becoming unsightly.

ContactandfurtherInformationIf there are any issues that you feel need attention please do not hesitate to contact Martlesham Heath Householders Ltd:

01473 612207 / martleshamheathhouseholders@gmail.comMartlesham Heath Householders Ltd, PO Box 897, Martlesham Heath, IP1 9PB

MARTLESHAM HEATH HOUSEHOLDERS

DEBEN ROTARY NEWSThe Rotary Club of Woodbridge Deben is continuing to meet via Zoom during the Covid-19 emergency. We held our AGM online on May 18 and our club assembly on June 1. At the assembly, our incoming president, Rotarian Richard Boother, outlined his plans and aspirations for the forthcoming Rotary year.

While acknowledging the difficulties we will all face in the coming months, he hopes that with enthusiasm and innovation the club will be able to soon return to our role of service to the community and support for a number of local, national and international charities. To this end we were pleased to be able to make a donation of £500 to support the work of the local Salvation Army food bank.

WOOLLY WONDERSBest wishes to all readers. You may spot us knitting or crocheting on Martlesham Green on Thursdays, before too along, at a safe distance of course, and as government guidelines allow. Weather permitting!

It’d be good to have a chance to chat, if you’re passing, at two metres

We’re looking forward to the day when The Runway can safely open again.

MARTLESHAM SURGERY – PRACTICE & PATIENT GROUP (PPG) NEWS

The PPG has not been meeting since the current lockdown came into force and we have very much taken a back seat while Martlesham GP practice has been dealing with all the changes and extra pressures caused by the pandemic. However, in mid June, as the situation eased, we held our first meeting by video conference. Rachel Wilson, our new practice operations manager, explained how the Martlesham and Kesgrave practices have been working together to create separate ‘hot’ and ‘cold‘ sites.

Patients with possible COVID-19 symptoms were being seen in Martlesham and all other patients were asked to attend the Birches Surgery in Kesgrave. As far as possible, consultations have been taking place by telephone or video calls to minimise contact. At the time of writing, the hope is that both surgeries can return to more normal working in July, but greater use of phone and video appointments will continue.

Patients should continue to phone their normal practice and will be told how and where they will be seen. More information and advice can be found on the surgery website at: www.mhdoctors.co.uk

PPG Chair

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MARTLESHAM BRASS MAKING MUSIC FUN IN EAST ANGLIA

Unfortunately, all Martlesham Brass band rehearsals and performances are currently suspended because of COVID-19, but will

resume as soon as it is safe to do so.

Band members are performing in various ways online. Do check out the Martlesham Brass Facebook page (facebook.com/

MartleshamBrass) to view the weekly videos edited by our main band conductor Adam Cable.

When band activities resume, we will be happy to hear from anyone who is interested in joining us, with or without experience.

Publicity Officer Liz Howard e_m_howard@talk21.com / 01473 625617

IPSWICH & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB Normally, our monthly lunches include a guest speaker, an irrepressible joke-teller, a reasonably priced bar and a prize raffle. In July, August and at Christmas, we bring along our wives, partners or friends.

We also usually have a barbecue, trips to shows, day trips and holidays further afield (next year some of us are going to the Isle of Wight for a few days).

This particular Probus Club also supports the wider community with donations to local charities. We contribute annually to FIND (Families in Need), and the photo shows our chairman, Vic Gray, presenting a cheque to Mrs Janet Dines, treasurer of Ipswich Dementia Friendship Group, which is based in Henley and caters for local sufferers, their families and carers.

As the cancellation of our lunches since February has saved our members

some money every month, we recently held a whip-round for the FIND and Ipswich Outlook foodbanks which have been under extra pressure lately.

We’re always looking to enrol new members, either newly retired or simply needing a break from gardening and decorating. Once this pandemic is over, you are welcome to arrange with our secretary to come to one of our lunches and see for yourself who we are and what we do.

Ipswich and District Probus Club was founded in 1972 and meets near the centre of town. Members are from all backgrounds: engineers, bank officials, teachers, builders and local government officers, to name a few. It’s a club where all retired chaps can get together, especially as many of us miss the daily banter of the workplace when we retire, which can be one of the biggest challenges of retirement.

At the time of writing, the COVID-19 lockdown is beginning to be relaxed. However, our activities remain suspended and our venue and caterers are still closed. We’ve been prevented from getting together, but we still keep a check on our older and more isolated members and, using social media, we maintain contact and exchange news and jokes to keep each other sane.

Tofindoutmore,lookusuponourwebsiteorcontactourclubsecretary,MalcolmKemp:01473289595/secretary.ipswichprobus@gmail.com

www.ipswichprobus.org.uk

MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUBPerhaps we can now see a faint glimmer of light at the end of the long, dark tunnel of the Coronavirus. If regulations permit, we are hoping to be able to start our regular meetings in September.

Debbie will tell us about the work of the Lighthouse Appeal on 10 September and Wendy will help us to paint a pot with an autumn theme on September 24.

Members have been keeping in touch by phone and email but we are all so looking forward to being able to enjoy face-to-face friendship again (at a safe distance!).

Meetings are normally held on alternate Thursday evenings at 7.15pm in the Richards Room. To keep in touch phone Doreen Boar: 01473 622768

KESGRAVE WINothing much to report this month; life goes on in lockdown as with most other groups. We’re all looking forward to the time when we can meet up again and socialise freely.

Staff at Kesgrave Community Centre are already planning for when we can go back to our monthly meetings which unfortunately doesn’t look as if it is going to be in the near future.

But the Kesgrave WI ladies are still staying positive, checking up on each other via telephone, FaceTime, chatting over the garden fence and even by holding Zoom committee meetings! It’s not all Jam and Jerusalem in 2020; technology here we come!

Unfortunately we have had to cancel our visit to The Hut at Felixstowe in late June but have already booked for the same date next year. Now that’s positive thinking! Likewise our craft day planned for September which has had to be cancelled due to the present restrictions regarding groups of people. We plan to hold it in 2021.

We look forward to the future when we all are able to meet again and hopefully welcome some new members to join us. For any information regarding Kesgrave WI please contact Di Chilver: 01473 611415

SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY AS THE HEARING CARE CENTRE RE-OPENS

As it begins to re-open its services after lockdown, local hearing care specialists The Hearing Care Centre have a very clear message to anyone needing support with their hearing: “Your safety is our priority”.

The company which offers audiology and earwax removal services from Framfield Medical Centre has 27 centres spread across Suffolk and Norfolk.

Audiologist Karen Finch said: “Following the comprehensive COVID-19 joint guidance from the UK’s audiology professional bodies, we have examined every single aspect of how we deliver our service to ensure that we can do so safely as we move forward. This has taken weeks of work and preparation but we are now totally confident that we can offer you the support you need in a safe way.”

Karen added: “The most satisfying part of being able to re-open for care is knowing that we offer a valuable and much needed service. The relief for patients after receiving our help and treatment has been overwhelming and emotional.”

To book an appointment for audiology or earwax removal or to find out more visit: www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

10 In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT

PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP

Once again our volunteers have been unable to meet up due to the lockdown restrictions. We hope that you have had the time to enjoy the woodlands though (whilst socially distancing of course).

In wildlife news, you might see glow worms (Lampyris noctiluca) on an evening walk (sometime after dusk). Keep a lookout for small pinpricks of green bioluminescence in the vegetation. This is produced by the females to attract a mate flying past. If you see any, please don’t disturb them. European stag beetles (Lucanus cervus) are also active at this time of year. The males too are trying to find a mate, famously simulating a male deer as they do so.

Finally, please be aware that Portal Woodlands is a private wood, the group only being custodians of its wellbeing. With this in mind, a reminder that bicycles should be ridden only on the concrete track and that the path running parallel to the A1214 main road is for use by authorised horse riders only. Also, if you would like to do any fun or family activities, then permission will need to be obtained. Please contact us using the below information so that we can advise you.

DATESFORTHEDIARY

Unfortunately, all upcoming events have been cancelled due to the coronavirus. However, if you would like to sign up or get in touch we are always pleased to welcome new faces.

New volunteers of all ages and abilities are always welcome. No experience needed. For further information, please contact us at pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com / 01473 612632, visit our website or join our members’ Facebook Group by messaging Duncan Sweeting.

Nature Explorer and Young Volunteer George Pennick

www.pwcg.onesuffolk.net

SPEAK EASY ONLINE! Speak Easy continues to meet online and you are welcome to join us.

Since the second half of March we have been holding our fortnightly meetings online. It has been a great way to keep our meetings going, to see and hear everyone and learn new skills. It has been a learning curve for us all. While some members are seasoned video conference callers, for several this was their first time. Whatever our previous experience, we have all been learning not only how to take part in the meetings, but also how we can improve our skills speaking to others via a screen. Thanks continue to go to Mike and Fiona for setting up these online meetings. We very much welcome guests to join us online to see what we do and enjoy the meetings with us.

If you would like to attend one of our online meetings please contact our president, Paul Graham, via the email address below and he will organise an invitation for you.

Speak Easy is open to anyone 18 years or over and meetings are held on alternate Thursdays from 7-9.30pm. The next dates are July 9 and 23 and August 6 and 20.

If you would like any further information please contact Paul Graham at: president@speak-easy.org.uk

www.speak-easy.org.uk / Facebook: @SpeakEasyMartlesham

GORSELAND PRIMARY SCHOOLGorseland has been busy over the last few weeks continuing to support the children of key worker families. The children have enjoyed planning a party, creating their own marble runs and having water fights in the glorious hot weather. We have also enjoyed welcoming back our Nursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 6 and Specialist Support Centre pupils. The children were delighted to see their teachers and friends again.

We are looking forward to welcoming our new Reception starters for September over video in the coming weeks. We are continuing to provide home learning for the other year groups via GorseHub. Teachers are setting year group activities for the children with videos.

https://sites.google.com/a/gorseland.net/landing-page/Learning-Zone/gorsehub

Staff and children have also been getting creative with their video skills. A video where a book was virtually passed around the staff was a huge success and our superstar Year 2s did their own version with a toilet roll. To mark the last ‘Clap for Carers’, our musical staff virtually recorded Over the Rainbow. These videos are all available on our Facebook page.

CEDARWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOLCedarwood has been a happy and busy place this summer term with staff and children keen to get stuck in with their learning!

We have been having great fun learning in the Forest Schools, with tasty treats cooked on our fire. Children have enjoyed exploring the wildlife inhabiting our school pond and making the most of the good weather to take their learning outdoors.

Our garden is being well cared for and we are looking forward to sampling some of our tasty vegetables later in the year. The children and staff have been making use of the lovely grounds taking part in fabulous Stay Active PE challenges.

Our pupils have been exploring the lives and works of famous artists and creating masterpieces in those styles. There have been some wonderful pieces added to our Twitter ‘Rainbow Gallery’. Pupils have enjoyed creating Lockdown Pebbles and placing these in the school grounds to create a beautiful and memorable keepsake.

Science lessons continue to be exciting with the children making and investigating sundials, creating lava lamps and erupting volcanoes. Pupils have continued to impress us with their fantastic attitude to home and school learning.

We are looking forward to welcoming our new Foundation children and their families as they begin their induction activities at Cedarwood during the summer term.

ClassPlacesforSeptember!Do you have a child starting school in September? We have places in our Foundation class and are in the position to be able to welcome more families to Cedarwood. You don’t need to live in Kesgrave to apply. Please call or email the school office to speak to one of the headteachers: smt@cedarwoodprimary.org.uk

Facebook / Twitter / www.cedarwood.eschools.co.uk

Tina Shute & Doug Stroud

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SCHOOLS

HEATH PRIMARY SCHOOLWe welcomed back children in our Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 classes on June 1, joining the children from key worker families. Welcoming back a larger number of children in very different circumstances to normal has, of course, presented many challenges. However, we are very lucky to have an amazingly dedicated set of staff who have worked hard to make it happen in time.

We are also fortunate to have very large grounds with outstanding outdoor learning facilities which we are able to use at a time when making the most of outdoor learning has never been more important. We have a large, established wooded area, complete with an outdoor classroom, which is used for Forest Schools activities, and a beautiful pond area that has its own dipping platform.

Our school garden and eco-greenhouse are full of life as the seeds that the children have planted are thriving in the warm weather, and as part of the school garden we have large animal enclosures that house our chickens, ducks and rabbits. We have recently added two further outdoor classrooms to our field areas, which provide plenty of space for outdoor lessons.

We currently have spaces available for our September Nursery and Reception classes. All of our Early Years classes benefit from having large classrooms and extensive outdoor areas. With outdoor learning being at the heart of our curriculum, our Nursery and Reception classes are able to take advantage of all of the outdoor areas around the school, as well as their own outdoor areas, which we continue to invest in and develop.

If you have a child due to start Nursery or Reception in September and are interested in finding out more, you can find out more information by visiting the school website or by speaking to a member of our admin team on 01473 622806.

www.heathprimary.co.uk

MARTLESHAM PRE-SCHOOLFirstly, Martlesham Pre-school hopes this finds everyone reading safe and well. We would like to send an enormous thank you to the incredible families and staff that have supported us during this difficult time. What a whirlwind of a time it has been! When we returned for the spring term, never did we imagine what was in store for us. The arrival of Covid-19 has affected the lives of every single one of us to some degree. Early Years managers have been faced with some of the hardest and most important decisions of our careers.

Martlesham Pre-school has proudly remained open to a small number of key worker families during this time, while also continuing to offer support to children and their families who were unable to attend. We have done this though our online software. Each parent has a personal account so they can log in when they wish. They can receive up to date information via our news feed and personal messages to keep parents informed. Staff have been very creative, sharing ideas to keep little ones busy and learning, sharing stories for the children to enjoy, and short videos to help remain in contact with those at home.

We have had so many lovely photos sent in of the children enjoying these activities, and many, many conversations have been exchanged between staff and parents. Parents have also been able to contact us via a private messaging service should they need any further support or advice. We hope this has helped our families remain confident and informed. Seeing photos of those happy little faces has certainly kept us smiling, while we miss everyone terribly.

As we begin our phased return and wider opening, we have been safely welcoming back some of our oldest children in our pre-school room. As always at this time of year, we will be focusing on school readiness and continuing to build on our characteristics of effective learning, building confidence and resilience, supporting motivation and encouraging critical thinking so that in September these children have the building blocks needed to continue the next step of their learning adventure.

The setting has seen some recent changes inside. In addition to our pre-school room, we now also have a wonderful toddler room for younger children aged two-three years, ready to welcome back some of our younger children as well as new adventurers in September.

We have been busy on our Facebook page so please take a look. Over the coming weeks we will also be developing and updating our website.

We are now taking enquiries and bookings for September 2020, so please feel free to contact us with any questions or for further information. We would love to hear from you!

Martlesham Pre-school is open in term time from 8am-4pm for children aged two to five years. Various sessions are available, including those that are fully government funded. We can be found within the grounds of Gorseland School, Deben Avenue, Martlesham Heath IP5 3QR.

E:mplayschool@btinternet.com/T:01473625986

KEEPING IN TOUCHwww.keepingintouchwith.co.uk

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CHURCH NEWS / ON THE GRAPEVINE

We can't meet at the momentbut you might find some help on the links below:

www.enjoyyourbible.com for free bible courses

www.crosspaint.tv for videos with simple bible explanations

or or contact us with any questions atmartleshamchristians@gmail.com

Jesus said: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:17

Jesus Christ can bring you joy and peace, even in a time of sorrow.

AMAZING MARTLESHAMI live in Old Martlesham so when I was told, by a friend who lives on the Heath, that they had got lost looking for a way down to the creek I was really surprised – it’s so easy to get to isn’t it? Well it is if you live where I do, but I was challenged by this thinking when two others invited me to a socially distanced walk, the first around the green, and the other around Falcon Park. Through these new eyes I discovered two new (to me) and wonderful woodland areas for walking and relaxation. We all live in the same village but in different contexts.

It made me think of the world in which we live. We all live on the same planet but in different contexts. When we read the story of creation in the first book of the Bible, we see that when God made each section he saw that it was good. In fact, when he’d finished and created humans, he looked back and saw that it was very good.

One of the most common experiences of people during lockdown has been a greater awareness of our natural world and the creatures with whom we share it. Let’s make a commitment as lockdown eases, to continue to appreciate our surroundings and to work towards making the whole world a better place for all humans to be able to live whole and healthy lives as we appreciate each other’s environments.

Rev Margaret Rittman, Martlesham with Brightwell

SUFFOLK STEPS: PATHS TO THE PAST ON YOUR DOORSTEP

If you’re looking to stay active and find fun ways to explore your local area this summer, get your walking shoes on and start exploring with Suffolk Steps.

Suffolk Steps is a collection of local historic walks and trails developed by museums and partners throughout Suffolk. The free walks are designed to help all ages stay active and uncover hidden history in the towns and Suffolk countryside.

Keeping active is a key theme for Suffolk Steps partner, Keep Moving Suffolk, a local campaign aimed at helping people stay active during the Covid-19 pandemic. Keep Moving Suffolk aims to inspire and encourage people to stay active, move or move more, by sharing ideas, tips, useful links and positive stories during these unprecedented times, using the hashtag #KeepMovingSuffolk.

Walking is a simple, free way of exercising and is one of the easiest ways to stay active and become healthier. A brisk 10-minute walk has lots of health benefits and counts towards the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise. Whatever your age, increased physical activity is linked to helping people lead a healthier and happier life with lower incidences of chronic illness.

You can explore Suffolk Steps by downloading the trails to your phone, or printing if you have access to a printer. Take the historic trail at Dunwich, a once great medieval port that disappeared beneath the waves to become the scenic coastal village it is today. Walk around the friary ruins and picture yourself in very different surroundings.

Follow the trail around Thomas Gainsborough’s Sudbury and walk in the footsteps of the 18th century master of portrait and landscape painting. Travel back in time to height of the silk and weaving industry as you pass the historic houses and production centers of wealthy merchants and clothiers.

There is so much to see, from the 125 acres of serene countryside at West Stow County Park, to strolling along the famed ‘Sailors Path’, a well-worn route initially used by sailors and smugglers. You can also take in the largest Millennium Green in England in Halesworth along the historic malt trail or go off the beaten track with Orford Museum’s Elizabethan map of the village.

As with any form of outdoor exercise, please follow the current government guidelines on staying safe outside your home. This includes keeping at least a 2m distance from those outside your household, washing your hands often (and not touching your face), and avoiding crowds.

Visit www.suffolkmuseums.org and look for Suffolk Steps to download the trails. Share your walk stories and pictures under #SuffolkSteps and keep in touch for all the latest information and family-friendly event news on Twitter @Suffolk_Museums and Facebook @AssociationForSuffolkMuseums.

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As we start to ease out of lockdown it would be easy to fall back into old habits and stop taking our daily exercise, which we have been doing during these challenging times.

At In Touch we are committed to supporting our readers to stay active and live healthy lives and are pleased to be continuing our partnership with the Keep Moving Su�olk campaign to bring you ideas, tips and inspirational stories to help keep you motivated.

Helping older adults stay active at homeA drop in physical activity levels can lead to physical deconditioning that increases the risk of falls, loss of physical capacity and increased need for care.

A new Active at Home booklet from Public Health England (PHE) aims to help older adults keep up their activity levels while isolating due to coronavirus (Covid-19).

The booklet provides practical guidance to older adults on home-based activities to maintain their strength and balance and can be accessed and downloaded from the Keep Moving Su�olk website Activities for Older People. . www.keepmovingsu�olk.com/exercise-if-youre-older

Women’s Tour Virtual cycling challengeA limited number of 500 places are available on the KMS Women’s Tour Virtual challenge taking place in July and August. Win VIP tickets to the 2021 Women’s Tour in Su�olk. For full details on how to secure a place on the challenge visit the Keep Moving Su�olk website,www.keepmovingsu�olk.com

WIN

www.keepmovingsu�olk.com

@keepmovingsu�olk @Most_Active

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S U F F O L K

Call us on 01473 232121 or email at enquiry@prettys.co.uk

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