The Link Magazine

I suppose we all know the rhyme featuring the various months, and living in such a rural area we are lucky to be able to witness the events at first hand.

We are in the midst of the Harvest Festivals, and the time of harvest always strikes me as being the time of year when God's presence is most evident.

It is easy to think of miracles happening long ago, in far-off places in biblical times. And so, no doubt, they did. But they still do, here, and now. To me there is no greater miracle than the transformation of a tiny seed into a fruit or vegetable umpteen sizes larger and bearing no comparison to the original seed. Indeed, to my simple mind it would seem that to change water into wine should be fairly straightforward when considered against changing the seed of a sugar beet, weighing a tiny fraction of an ounce, to a mature sugar beet weighing several pounds.

It always surprises me that the churches do not make more of the harvest -indeed some churches of some denominations, appear to ignore it altogether. Perhaps because this miracle happens so regularly, every year, and right in our midst, it is easy to overlook it. They say that the prophet is never heard in his own land. Certainly all too often we appear blind to those things happening around us.

October is certainly not everyone's favourite month. Summer holidays seem a distant memory, and days are rapidly becoming cooler and shorter. But are there not compensations in that? Am I the only person to enjoy long, dark evenings? What better than to reflect, and, more positively, to look forward with confidence.

Each season has its undoubted attractions as well as its drawbacks. Is this not what life is all about? One can look at a rose and admire its appearance, its colour, its fragrance, its texture, or one can look at the same rose and complain about the sharpness of its thorns. I often remember the words of a poem which my mother taught me when I was a small child….

"Life is a game of ups and downs
He gets the best who never frowns,
Who takes the see-saw with a smile
Will find the passing days worthwhile."

-it works -honest! Give it a try. Happy Month!
Nick Carter

From the Registers
Welcome to
Alex Frank Groom
and Megan Louise Allen, who were both baptised in Somersham church on August 24th
May they grow in Faith

Congratulations to
Julie Whadcote and Lance Spurling who were married in Offton Church on June 14th and now live in Offton

Jacqueline Hurren and Richard Quinton who were married in Somersham church on August 16th

Helen Martin and Morgan Decker who were married in Offton church on August 30th and are living in Grundisburgh

May they have many happy years together

Farewell to
Doris Margaret Collins, until recently resident in Flowton, who died in her sleep at Ipswich Hospital, aged 90 years. Her funeral took place in Flowton church on August 19th followed by burial in the churchyard. We send our sympathy to children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as her many friends.

Violet Robinson who died aged 93 years. Her funeral took place on August 28th in Offton church followed by burial in the churchyard.

May they rest in peace

It has been two months since I last wrote these notes, why does it only seem like two minutes? We are now into October and the nights are pulling in again, which means it's time for some warnings about securing your property. An empty house in total darkness and silence can stand out like a sore thumb and be an invitation to theft or burglary. Treat yourself to a time-switch or three, to switch on the lights in your lounge, bedroom, kitchen, or wherever you want to make the house look occupied. Don't leave just the hallway light on, no one I know spends all night in the hallway.

Also, you will be putting all your garden tools away in the shed and if you are not a keen gardener may not look at them again until the spring. Why not try ensuring they are still there along with the rest of your shed contents by fitting a shed alarm and 'property marking' them.

Coincidentally there will be a Crime Reduction and Safe and Secure display on Saturday October 18th at Wattisham Army Camp (outside the main gate, behind the NAAFI / SPAR shop, beside the Family Centre) and shed alarms, property markers and timers will be on sale at greatly reduced prices. I will be there with Dave Gilson (crime reduction officer) and members of the Crime Reduction Panel to offer advice where required. We will also be security marking mobile phones and there will be a competition for children to win cycle safety / security equipment and a TV video player. So do pay me a visit even if it's just to say hello.

On the crime front only one thing to mention: Somersham on August 27th a shed was entered overnight and fishing tackle valued at £2000 stolen.

There have been several complaints concerning the antics of teenagers around the villages generally hanging around in unsuitable places where they cause annoyance to residents, leave litter and cause damage. Whilst I don't expect many teenagers read this, if you are parents - Where are your kids? What are they doing? Could it be me who brings them home?

If you know anything about any incident mentioned in these notes please contact me on 01473 613500 (Force Headquarters). If I am not on duty ask to leave a voicemail for PC980 Shields. Please remember there are periods when I am on rest days for 4 days. If you require urgent action do not leave a message but ask to speak to another officer. My deputy is PC 619 Mike Gwyn who is also based at Stowmarket and can be contacted on 01473 613500.

Kevin Shields PC980

Thank you
PC Kevin Shields
01473 383390 Stowmarket Police Station
01473 613500 Police Headquarters

To go to the Suffolk Police web site please click here

To go to the Neighbourhood Watch site of Suffolk Police click here

WILLISHAM CHURCH NOTES

Church Fete
Full details of the above are included elsewhere in the Link. However, sincere thanks to everyone who helped to make this event such a success, both socially and financially. Next year's fete will take place at Crow Hall on Saturday the 17th July. So please make a note of the date now.

Harvest Festival
This year's service takes place on Sunday the 12th October at 3.00pm. We will be joined by the Benefice Choir, and look forward to welcoming you all to the service. As usual, our harvest offerings will be given to the Stowmarket branch of the Salvation Army. They especially appreciate gifts of non-perishable food, as these can be kept in store and used when required.

Churchyard Seat
The original seat was donated several years ago by the Holder family, and has provided a place of rest and contemplation for many people. Unfortunately the years have taken their toll and a new seat has been generously donated by Mrs. Hazel Bell, in memory of her parents, Sandy and Ida Prentice. The new seat will be dedicated at our Harvest service.

Family Bonfire and Fireworks
This year's Bonfire evening takes place at Crow Hall on Friday 7th November. Full details next month, but please make a note of the date now.

Rubbish
Bags of household rubbish have recently been left at Willisham Church. I am sure these have not been deposited by anyone local, but they are very messy to clear up, as the bags have been opened by rats and/or foxes. If the person responsible does read this, please take your rubbish home.

Gift Aid
We are very grateful to Jean Hardman for setting up the Gift Aid Scheme on behalf of Willisham Church. If you pay income tax, and would like your gift to provide an extra 28%, please contact her direct on 01473 658063.

Offton Church News

Summer Events - see elsewhere for review.

Future Events:

Sunday 5th October
Animal Blessing Service in Offton Church at 4 pm.
to celebrate Animal Welfare Week and the Feast of St Francis of Assisi. The Reverend Hewitt, a representative from the Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals, will speak, and it will be an opportunity for your pets to receive a blessing in the church. Please bring your pet under similar controls as those you would use when visiting a vet. Further details from Peta Whiting 01449 677766.

Drop in Coffee Mornings
Coffee mornings will be held in the church on the
FIRST THURSDAY of the month at 10.30 am.
Next two meetings will be on October 2nd. and November 6th.

The Chick Chat Club
( a young people's discussion group for school years 8, 9 and 10) continues to hold meetings every second and fourth Wednesday.
Come and join us in the church from 7 pm - 9 pm. On October 8th, 22nd, November 12th and 26th.
Contact Lucy Vignoles 01473 658480 for further information.

October 31st - All Hallows Eve -
Are you interested in continuing the annual party held in the Offton and Willisham village hall for children in the local villages for All Hallows Eve? We need help to organise the evening and support for this event. Please call Anne Chapman in you are interested. 01473 658325

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Tollemache Hall Red Cross Open Garden Day earlier in the summer was a great success with dry weather but not too hot a day. The total made in aid of the Red Cross was £1014.50 - a big thank you to everyone who supported the event.

Offton and Willisham Parish Council

If you are unable to travel by conventional public transport, through
location or severe mobility impairment, you may be eligible to receive
travel vouchers to assist with the cost of taxis or community transport
services. For details ring Mid Suffolk District Council on 01449 727157

With regret, I have to report the resignation of Councillor Doug Perry.
Doug has been a loyal, long serving Council member and he will be missed.

Of course there is now a vacancy, and I'd ask for an Offton resident to
offer him/herself by getting in touch with me.

Pip Sands Council Clerk Tel 01449 721173

F.O.S.S.

Here we are again in another school year, with lots of fund raising ideas in the pipe line, one being the Webb Ivory Catalogue. If anybody would like to see the book, please either phone or call in at the school or phone Julia on 830079 and we will try to give you a copy.

There will be an opportunity for you to have professional photos taken by Tempest on 15th November along with buying gifts at the Christmas Fair but more on that next month.

This month we are having another 70's/80's Disco. If you came last time you will know we had a good time and the bar was cheap! If you didn't, come and give us a bash, you might be pleasantly surprised. It will be for adults only, time 7.30 p.m. 'til 11.45 p.m., tickets £3.50, place Village Hall, date Saturday 18th October.

Tickets will be available from Heather at school, Jenny on 830623 or Wendy Warner. See you there.

SOMERSHAM CARPET BOWLS CLUB

The Summer League has now finished and after a poor start we finished just below the top of our area league, so the play offs will have to wait until next year. To close the Summer activities a Sunday afternoon barbecue has been arranged for all club members.

Again playing in Division 3 East everyone is now looking forward to the Winter League, and starting as from the beginning of September. This means lots of home and away matches, visiting new clubs - as they differ from some of those in the summer league, and also seeing the return of familiar faces from the last Winter season. Whilst fully competitive between teams it nonetheless remains a really friendly league, played in the best of spirits.
In a busy schedule there are also Cup and Plate matches to be fitted in; and our first round match is as far away as - Great Blakenham!

During the Summer we are pleased that 'new talent' has joined the Club and the number of members are now increased to around 20; and gives a good position not enjoyed for some while. Whilst it does give choice, it also causes the Club Captain some slight problem with team selection as only 16 players (4 teams of 'four') are required for a match. Not all dates suit all bowlers so the situation usually levels itself out.
Hopefully the next report will see results progressed into the Winter league.

Results to end of August 2003
Summer League

SOMERSHAM CSC

There's not been much good news for the Stars this season but we got some recently following local support from Somersham Garage. They have agreed to finance the new starting grid and pits areas recently constructed and this gesture is much appreciated. Sources of income are very limited so this will help considerably as we strive to improve the facilities for both locals and visitors. Thanks Dave!

After our efforts in running the British Championship qualifiers last month, perhaps we will get the chance to stage a Final in the future? We'd also like to thank Land Rover dealers Lindacre and PR Davey Engineering for donations, B Contracts Landscaping, and also Pat Ward for supplying materials. On track we had our best performance of the season at neighbours Gt. Blakenham with the 92-88 defeat accurately indicating the closeness of the meeting. The rare occasion of a full squad combined with an excellent performance from Richard Williamson showed what we are capable of. At Hawbush, Somersham went down heavily in very hot and dusty conditions. Their track is a different shape, size and surface to ours but Barry Copping was undeterred and only dropped 2 points.

The weather was completely the opposite for the clash at Kesgrave with riders soaked through and bikes plastered with shale. In deteriorating conditions the referee decided to abandon the meeting with the scores 76-43. Most of the Stars were happy to continue but the home side were understandably concerned about track damage. In the Suffolk Grand Prix Series we pleasingly just pipped Gt Blakenham for 3rd. In the U-10 age group it was good to see young Rhys Cotterell make his cycle speedway debut.

Our home league fixtures are now complete and the season will finish with the annual Club Championship, provisionally scheduled for October 25 11:00. This event is open to anyone so why not come along and help us get off the bottom of the table - a couple of extra riders could make all the difference!

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

Somersham W.I.

Members of the W.I. are inviting any ladies in the village to our next meeting which will be held on October 6th at 7:30pm in Somersham Village Hall.

The speaker is Jean Nunn who will be talking about Osteoporosis - as you all know this affects many women so please come and find out how this debilitating and often neglected illness can be prevented. "Knowledge is Power".

Tea or coffee and biscuits will be served as always.

Gillian Wilson - President (01473 658782)

Mother's Union

This month we entertain a speaker from the Church of England Children's Society when we meet at 2 pm on Wednesday, 8th October in Flowton Vestry. We welcome to this meeting any friends who would care to join us. Transport will leave Somersham at 1.45 pm and we will be pleased to arrange to collect you from your home if this would be helpful. Please contact Margaret on 658330 to make arrangements.

We feel deeply the loss of another of our most loyal and long serving members, Doris Collins and a tribute to her follows.

Doris Margaret Collins

Doris died aged 90 years on Tuesday 12th August. The third of twelve children, she was born in 1913 and grew up in Black Cottages, Flowton. She attended Somersham School, then worked as kitchen maid at Bramford Hall, and then in the kitchen of The Moat, Tuddenham Road, Ipswich. There she met Ernest, the gardener and chauffeur, who she married in 1936.

When war began in 1939 Ernest went away to serve his country, and Doris was alone to look after her small daughter Sophie and their animals. During the war Doris became a member of the Mother's Union at Westerfield.

In 1950 the family moved to Cranfield Court, Ernest as gardener and caretaker, and Doris helping out with the elderly and sick and doing night nursing.

Doris and Ernest retired to Valley Farm Bungalow, Flowton in the mid 1970s and Doris was widowed in 1984.

Doris loved going to agricultural shows and was proud of her family for their achievements. She never seemed to stop working, especially baking and washing. In the village community she would always volunteer to help with the washing -up at events, and she loved to be involved with younger people.
Doris and her dog were seen in Flowton twice a day as she walked up from her home, and a friend's Rolls Royce became her favourite mode of travel.

She moved to sheltered accomodation in Kesgrave but still liked to come to Mothers' Union. A chest infection sent her to hospital early this summer and she then moved into Sherrington House. Doris lost weight and returned to hospital just as we hoped to celebrate her 90th birthday-yet she still retained a keen interest in all that was going on in the village and who was doing what.

Increasingly unwell, she passed away peacefully in her sleep and a well-filled church showed how much her life and friendship was valued.

CHURCH SERVICES in our 8 linked parishes

There are changes during October to reflect the new rota of services-if you have any doubts about this listing please contact the churchwardens.

October 5th Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity

October 12th Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity

October 19th St Luke

October 26th Bible Sunday

October 26th Bible Sunday
Holy Communion 9.30am Ringshall
Morning Worship 10.00am Flowton
Holy Communion 11.00am Offton
Morning Prayer 11.15am Barking
Evening Prayer 3.00pm Somersham

Flowton News

1st October, 10.30am-noon
drop-in coffee morning in Flowton Church Vestry.
Feel free to pop in,
bring your family or friends,
and have a cup of tea or coffee (or squash!!) and a chat.
Everyone is welcome

Nikki Hudson 658092

Patchwork and Quilting classes are planned for October 1st, 6th, 20th , and November 3rd. For more details please contact Mary Carter on 01473 658522

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Choir

The choir will meet to rehearse for the Carol services on
Thursday November 6th and Tuesday November 18th
Wednesday November 26th and Thursday December 4th
Tuesday December 9th all at 7.30pm in Flowton church or vestry.
More members always welcome

Somersham Church Notes

The report on the Open Gardens & Flower Festival Weekend is elsewhere in the magazine, but many thanks to everyone involved for making it such a success and so enjoyable.

Thank you to the volunteers manning the church for the Suffolk Historic Churches Bike Ride.

Harvest Festival will be on Sunday 12th October at 10 am. Once again we will be taking any gifts to the Women's Refuge Centre.

The Christmas Bazaar will be on Saturday 29th November, 2-4pm. More details next month.

FLOWER & CLEANING ROTA

Somersham

Flowton

Offton

Willisham

An Offa they couldn't refuse - Part 1

After England (Wainwright's Coast to Coast) and Scotland (West Highland Way) it seemed only right that the next challenge for the long distance walkers should have Welsh connections. And so it turned out after Eddie Fagg suggested that we tackle the Offa's Dyke path. Unfortunately Eddie had to pull out before the planning had really got under way so the final party consisted of the original four, Steve Woolhouse, Terry Fordham, James Crickmore and Steve Dines, supplemented this time by Richard Browne and Chris Hakes. Our challenge was the long distance path which straddles the Welsh border between Chepstow and Prestatyn and follows (roughly) the course of the ancient defence work known as Offa's Dyke. As you might expect of something so old, much of the actual dyke has now disappeared, although it remains impressive in parts.

The Dyke is believed to date from the 8th century and is generally thought to have been built by King Offa to mark and defend the border of his kingdom (Mercia) against the Welsh tribes to the west. Though perhaps tenuous, a possible local connection (Offton means 'Offa's farmstead') added a sense of pilgrimage to this latest venture.

Because we're none of us as young as we were, and find it hard to be separated from our families for more than a week at a time (aaah!), we decided that this time we'd split the walk into two - well even the guidebook is published as two volumes! - tackling the southern 81 miles this year and completing the remaining 97 miles another (next?) year.

Thus it was that, in early June, the six of us boarded a train at Ipswich station bound for Newport, Gwent, from where a taxi delivered us to Upper Sedbury House near Chepstow, a comfortable B&B which was to provide our first night's accommodation. After a quick freshen up, we donned our boots and headed for Sedbury Cliffs, on the banks of the Severn and within sight of the older of the two Severn bridges. This is the official start of the path and close to first of the bits of Offa's Dyke which remain clearly visible. A short late afternoon walk from here into Chepstow meant that our first proper days walking could be easier by about 2.5 miles.

Nevertheless, as we set out the next day, guided by Steve 'Pathfinder-General' Woolhouse, we faced a hard 15 mile walk to our next night's stop-over in Monmouth. Much of the early part of the walk follows a route high above the River Wye but, being through thick woodland, many of the views are obscured. Thus we eagerly awaited the spectacular view of Tintern Abbey which was promised from a viewpoint known as the Devil's Pulpit. We became convinced that we must have somehow missed it and so retraced our steps for half a mile or so, found a likely candidate spot and assumed that the trees had grown since the book was written. I climbed a nearby tree to obtain a reasonable photo (while others took a picture of me up a tree!) and we continued our journey. A few yards beyond the point at which we had turned back we came across….the Devil's Pulpit in all its glory!

As we refreshed ourselves in the bar of the Riverside Hotel in Monmouth it was tempting to agree with the remarks of the young barmaid ('Walked from Chepstow?….You must be mad!'), especially knowing that we now had two days of about 17 miles each ahead of us, but it all looked different after a pint or two, a curry and a good night's sleep. The next day we left Monmouth in good spirits (and in the rain - but that didn't last long) and headed for Pandy. This part of the walk proved to be (slightly) less hilly than the first day but stiles!…..never seen so many. Allegedly there are over 700 on the whole route from Chepstow to Prestatyn and a good few of them must be on this stretch.

On the third day, the route took us into the Black Mountains with a long high level walk along the Hatterall Ridge. We were lucky with the weather again (as on the whole trip really) which was as well as I imagine it's pretty bleak up there at times. We were heading for Hay-on-Wye, famous these days, of course, as the second hand bookshop capital of the world. This provided an extra incentive for the literary members of our party who set a cracking pace! I couldn't help noticing that Chris, who had been keeping me company at the rear of the party for much of the previous two days was now leading for long periods! In the end, we all got there in good time to have a browse and make a few purchases although it has to be said that you really need a few days there to make the most of the place.

The remaining two days walking were shorter (about 14 miles each), taking us first over Hergest Ridge (yes, it was Mike Oldfield!) to Kington and then on, past one of the best bits of the dyke still remaining, to Knighton, the halfway point of the complete walk and the site of the Offa's Dyke Centre. Just before we reached Knighton, James was required to put his country skills into practice when, without a thought for his own safety he rescued a stricken sheep which had rolled onto its back and couldn't get up. She was very grateful so I'm sure there'll be a welcome in those hillsides should he choose to return!

And so we arrived at our destination, bought the tee-shirts and celebrated half completing the Offa's Dyke path! There's definitely a feeling of unfinished business about it and we're already starting to talk about when to do the second half.

On this trip, though, there remained one more little drama to be played out. After a pleasant evening (well, apart from Terry being told off for complaining about his pudding!) and good night's rest in the George and Dragon, we bought our souvenirs and boarded the train to take us to Newport where we'd change for London. We duly arrived in Newport, a little late but never mind, and everyone rose from their seats to alight. Richard, Steve W. and Chris got off but James had a little trouble extracting his rucksack from the luggage rack. By the time he had done so, the train doors had locked and the train began to move, trapping the rest of us on the train. We were not alone, as also trapped were half of a party of Japanese tourists and a couple of girls down from Abergavenny on an afternoon shopping trip! A guard appeared, but when we explained our predicament, he just shrugged and bid a hasty retreat. And so it was that James, Terry and I finished our holiday with an unexpected visit to Cardiff railway station! But all's well that ends well and we did manage to return to meet up with the rest of our party who had been so worried that they could hardly contain their mirth!!
Steve Dines

Somersham Football Club

At the time of writing, the new season is about to get underway properly. The first team are delayed in their quest for Division 4 by a lack of a fixture, due to the league computer, but the Reserves will be in league action, at home, against local rivals Blakenham Chequers in Division 6.

Pre season friendlies have seen a mixed bag of results and performances for both teams. The first team have suffered from giving teams 2, 3 or 4 goal starts in first halves of matches and then rallying in the second phase to recover a draw or narrow defeat. All of these games have been against opposition from higher leagues so concern is at a minimum. The reserves have not been as benevolent toward opponents by giving head starts, but have also failed to gain victory, albeit against higher classed opposition.

Pre seasons high hopes have been tested, not so much by results, but by the loss of two of the clubs best players.

New signing Adam Garrod, who last season played for Willis & Kesgrave in Division 1, suffered a broken leg in the 1st team's finally friendly match against Bildeston. It appears he will be in plaster for about 4 months and is very unlikely to see any action this season. A speedy and full recovery is hoped for, by all at the club.

Paul Bowers, making his comeback after 2 years out with a cruciate knee ligament injury, broke down in the 3rd friendly match with a reoccurrence of the same injury and has now been told his career is finished. This is a huge blow for the club and far more importantly for the player. Paul has been a loyal servant to the club for over 10 years both on Saturday's and Sunday's. He has been involved in the most successful sides in that time scoring goals with amazing regularity. His abilities will be missed by all at the club, but I'm sure he will remain in contact with the club and may even take the move

upstairs into management in due course. All at the club wish him well and thank him for his efforts over the years.

On a brighter note, the closed season has seen the signing of a number of players, all with sound abilities. University has taken its regular few away from us, but moral is high and expectations realistic. New sponsorship has been found and the club express their thanks to the landlord of THE LIMEBURNERS, Andy Hawes, for the new kit, which has brought a break from the traditional red & black outfit to a very fetching red & white number for the 1st team.

I have taken over the scribe position for the LINK from the great Dennis (DENZIL) Mumby. I should like to take the opportunity to thank Denzil for all of the hard work he has contributed to the club over the years. During his 400 years at the club he has played, managed, been groundsman, chairman, secretary, MC at presentation nights and once lent his flat cap to a sun blinded Somersham goalkeeper. He is currently groundsman, the most overlooked position at any football club. Thanks Denzil, be sure to check my spelling and grammar each month.

Finally, by the time this is printed the season will be well underway. Support for a local team is much appreciated and is vital for a club to survive, as Ipswich Town will testify. If you do find yourself bored on a Saturday afternoon, drag yourself down to the playing field and take a look. It may be more interesting than watching Formula 1 qualifying and the array of refreshments on offer, from our serving wench, has to be seen to be believed. I believe that there will be a game at home every weekend throughout September and October and look forward to seeing some fresh faces.

Al Chester

SOMERSHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Website: www.somersham.suffolk.gov.uk

New Councillor

Somersham Parish Council would like to welcome Steve Hollands who has been co-opted on to the Parish Council.

This now brings the total councillors on the council up to 8, but we still require one more councillor. If you wish to have more information please contact me as soon as possible.

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Letter from parishioner

The Parish Council has received a letter from a villager expressing concern that the village has changed from the place they knew 20 years ago. The correspondent claims that straw has to be swept from the drive every morning, and groups of young people leave litter on the green. These groups are causing anxiety to the elderly living near where they gather.

Please consider what is being said.

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Hedges over paths

This was mentioned in the last article, unfortunately we still have the same problem:

Please can people who have gardens with hedges and trees against public paths cut them back, and cut them to a height of 2 metres above the ground, to allow people to walk under them with ease.

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Control of dogs

In the last article I mentioned the dog fouling problems, now there have been reports of people not controlling their dogs around the village, in particular on footpaths.

Please can all dog owners consider other people when walking their dog.

If problems persist we will speak to Mid Suffolk District Council about the use of their CCTV equipment to catch nuisance dogs around the village.

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Planning Applications

The Parish Council held a planning application meeting Wednesday 23rd July 2003 about the application for Church Farm. I will not go into the details of this application; this information can be obtained from Mid Suffolk District Council's Planning department or myself.

However there were queries brought up at the meeting about the lack of consultation and the lack of notification throughout the village, with regards to the Parish Council's meeting:

Mid Suffolk District Council have told me that they are under no obligation to consult with the Parish Council on any planning application, which they receive, however they do so, so that they can obtain local information about the planning area. They have also told me that writing to neighbours is out of courtesy and is also not a requirement, the planning officer decides whom to write to.

The Parish Council are only informed two weeks before the consultation deadline that an application has been made, this gives us less than two weeks to arrange a meeting. Usually we only carry out site meetings, but on large applications will hold full council meetings.

So this, you will see, is why the Parish Council were unable to advertise the meeting, we held at the end of the July, any sooner.

You will always know that a planning application has been made when a yellow notice is posted at a property. This notice gives you information about the application, the objections deadline and the planning officer's details.

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Parish Council Meetings

The following meetings are to take place:

Wednesday 1st October 2003 - 7.30pm Pavilion
Wednesday 5th November 2003 - 7.30pm Somersham Village Hall
Wednesday 3rd December 2003 - 7.30pm Somersham Village Hall

Agendas and minutes for all of these meetings will be available from the Parish Council website www.somersham.suffolk.gov.uk, at the Somersham Shop/Post Office and direct from myself

Andrew Mayhew
Clerk to the Council
Address: 21 Morgan Court, Claydon, IPSWICH, IP6 0AN
Tel No: 01473 834035
E-mail: clerk@somersham.suffolk.gov.uk
Web Site: www.somersham.suffolk.gov.uk

Connexions Suffolk
A free service providing advice & support for 13-19 year olds.
Our specially trained personal advisers and recruitment advisers can help you with next steps at school, college or training, getting a job, sorting out housing and money, or personal issues which be just getting in the way. If we can't sort things out then we will find someone who can, and support you through it.
How to find out more:
Check out www.connexionssuffolk.org.uk
Freephone 0800 085 4448
e-mail enquiries@connexionssuffolk.org.uk
or drop in at our Connexions Centres:

43 St Andrews Street South
Bury St. Edmunds IP33 3PH
Tel:01284 768493

St Helens Court, St Helens Street
Ipswich IP4 2JZ
Tel: 01473 581449/50

Suffolk House (above Macdonalds)

Somersham Baptist Church

Romania. What happens to the many orphans in Romania when the reach 18 leave care homes? For Linda and Harold Rushbrook this was a great concern, many are unable to find accommodation and work. Crime and prostitution are too often the option chosen. So after much prayer and with a small but growing support group, Linda and Harold bought a house in Arad to provide a home for at least some leaving the protection of their childhood orphanages. Come and listen to how they are doing on Sunday 5th October.

Hospital visits; During term time Mark is regularly at Heath Road Hospital, so if you know of someone who would appreciate a visit please contact him on 01473 831940 or 07930 543583.
Regular Meetings

* Junior Church for School Years 1-6.
Ladies Meetings
Women's Fellowship Friday 10th September.
Children and Young People (Held during term time)
Yr. 1-6, Wednesday Club 6.30pm.
Yr. 9 on, 14+ Friday 8.00pm, (at present we are full, but we are keeping a record of those who wish to join.)

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

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

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