The Link Magazine

FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS

BAPTISM

On 19 November 2006 at St. Mary's, Offton. Kayla Kathleen NOBLE, second daughter of Ian and Kim Noble of Somersham.
It is very satisfying that Offton Church serves to keep its link with the Bowers family

Farewell to:
Pauline Watkins, longtime resident of Flowton, who died on 4th November 2006, aged 94 years. Her funeral took place on 13th November in Flowton church, which was full of her family and many friends.
Joan Holly Plummer, longtime resident of Somersham, who died on 28th November 2006, aged 84 years. Her funeral took place on 11th December in Somersham church, and the church was filled with family, friends, ex-pupils and members of the youth club she used to run in Somersham.
Christine Sabin, who had only lived in Willisham a short while, who died on 29th December 2006, aged 49 years. Her funeral took place amongst family and friends, on January 9th 2007 in Somersham church and then at Ipswich Crematorium.

May they rest in peace

Bus Transport-Flowton
You may have noticed that the bus run by Carters of Capel St Mary no longer comes through the village –details about the replacement service are on David Hale’s noticeboard and on the Church stall. There are also copies for you to take from the table at the back of the church. The replacement service involves contacting Hadleigh Community Transport – but it will link to a bus to take you right to the centre of Ipswich. It looks well worth investigating.

Ash Wednesday, February 21st

There is no service in our 8 parishes on this day, but there will be Holy Communion at Bramford at 9.15am, and at Needham Market at 7.30pm. At the time of preparing this copy, there is an outline idea for something else at Needham Market during the morning – please contact Rev Diane Williams on 01449 720316 for more details.

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Women’s World Day of Prayer 2007

Date: Friday 2nd March 2007
Venue for the united service in Needham Market
is St John the Baptist Church.
Time: 2.00pm (Duration approx. 1 hour)
Leader: Reverend Diane Williams
Speaker: Reverend Jan Morley

The service is prepared under the title “United under God’s Tent” by Christian women of Paraguay.
Refreshments will follow the service and we welcome everyone to join us and share in this service.

Flowton Church news

Thank you to everybody who helped to clean, decorate and light the church for Christmas. It gave a fantastic welcome to the well over 200 people who came to the carol service on Christmas Eve. And then thanks also to those who provided and served refreshments afterwards. All of you are hard at work maintaining the church and churchyard throughout the year and in welcoming folk who visit the church.
THANK YOU ALL once again.

A reminder – the Church Electoral Roll is being revised between February 11th and 25th – if you wish to be on the new roll and have not received a form, please contact Judith Ewing who has a supply. Although everybody who is resident in the village is entitled to take part in the election of the Churchwardens at the meeting on Friday March 30th, only those on the Church Electoral Roll may vote at the APCM which follows or stand for election on to the Parochial Church Council.

PAULINE WATKINS died on Saturday 4th November 2006 aged 94. Pauline was born Pauline Wyartt at Camperdown, Flowton, and lived there with her family until she married. She attended school at Elmsett until the age of 11 and was a member of the Girl Guides, meeting at Laurel Cottage. After leaving school, Pauline worked for her mother and father on the holding, looking after the animals, working in the orchard and driving the lorries. She was also a ‘mother’s help’ to a family in Aldham.

Pauline and Clifford Watkins were born within a mile of each other and grew up as neighbours, marrying in 1937 at Flowton church. They moved to The Priory, Flowton, where they lived for nearly 50 years, bringing up their two children - Margaret and Gordon - and running the family farm (Gate Farm). Pauline devoted much of her time to her garden and her grandchildren, Helen and Joe.

In 1986, Clifford, Pauline and Margaret moved in to Elmsett. Clifford died in 1992 but Pauline and Margaret stayed in the village. The arrival of her four grandchildren was a great joy to Pauline and she enjoyed their visits.

Needing more care, Pauline moved to a Care Home in Wherstead only a few weeks ago, where she died peacefully.

Somersham Golden Link

“On behalf of the “Golden Link” Club members I thank all those who gave so generously to our Autumn Fayre which raised £304 for our funds.
Our thanks for all the draw prizes, to those who gave donations and to those who came in and bought our goods. My thanks also to the members who made and gave so generously.”
Betty Game (Secretary)

Somersham U 10s

Sunday 12th November, Gainsborough Sports Centre:
Somersham assembled with s strong squad of ten lads all eager to take on a Whitton side that had just pipped them to the runners-up spot at their first tournament some months earlier.
Somersham made a confident start, passing the ball well and using the large space down the flanks to their advantage; this enabled Somersham to take a 3-0 lead at half time, thanks to two goals from Samuel Lucock and one from Tom Sheern.
After the break Somersham stepped up a gear and were camped in the Whitton half; two goals from Jack Barnes, one each from Charlie Warner and Andrew Rutter made the final score –Somersham 7 Whitton 0.

Sunday 26th November, Shotley:
Somersham’s under 10s took a trip to the seaside, and under the watchful eye of Captain Cotterell the crew gathered.
Game 1 saw the A team cast their nets first against a strong Shotley side. With ten minutes gone, and Somersham’s defence all at sea, Shotley took the lead; half time 1-0.
The second half saw Somersham batter the opposition’s defence but it was to no avail; final score – Shotley 1 Somersham0.
Next it was the turn of the B teams; Shotley were in buoyant mood and took an early lead, but Somersham were determined to turn the tide and two fine goals from Jack and Samuel left the Shotley defence marooned.
With the game drawing to a close Shotley equalized, but Somersham were not sunk and another fine run from Samuel gave Thomas the bait to launch home the winner; final score - Shotley 2 Somersham 3

CHURCH SERVICES in our 8 linked parishes

If you think there may be a mistake in the rota please contact your Churchwarden.

Please contact a Churchwarden if you think that there is a mistake in the listing. Thank you.

4th February 3rd Sunday before Lent

11th February 2nd Sunday before Lent

18th February Sunday next before Lent

25th February 1st Sunday of Lent

4th March 2nd Sunday of Lent

Somersham Church Notes

The Christmas Bazaar made a profit of £430. Thank you to all who helped make it a success by helping and contributing, and of course to everyone who came to support the event.

The concert by the Suffolk Constabulary Male Police Choir was a very enjoyable evening, well supported by an appreciative audience. Special thanks to the ladies who contributed food for the supper. Funds benefited by £300.

The presents brought to the Toy Service were once again taken to the Women’s Refuge, to help make Christmas special for the children and mums. Thank you to everyone who gave a gift.

The Trivia Quiz made about £80 profit; it was a very enjoyable evening, with 8 teams puzzling over the questions so ably set by our quizmasters Mary & Richard Toone. A very big thank you to them for all the hard work involved. See the separate ad for details of our next quiz on Friday March 23rd.

The answers to the Christmas quiz sheet will be in next month’s Link. Thank you to everyone who bought one, and especially to Old Barn Stores, Christine’s hairdressers and Somersham Garage for having them on sale.

The Church was beautifully decorated for Christmas, a specialt hank you to the ladies involved in the arrangements, and also to Max Caston for once again providing the Christmas tree.

Piano pupils of Mrs Lynne Holton, Somersham have worked hard to gain the following examination results in the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music exams:

In the Theory exams – Florence Cage, Jack Cripps and Marsha Dalby all passed Grade 1 with distinction and Deborah Moore passed Grade 2 also with distinction.

In the practical exams – Yasmin Picton and Hugo Douglas passed Grade 1 with distinction and Rachel and Laura Dickerson passed Grade 1 with Merit. Danielle Chester obtained a distinction in Grade 2 and Holly Fifield also passed Grade 2.

Well done to everyone, especially to Deborah Moore for obtaining 100% marks in Grade 2.

World-class dance tours villages in East Anglia

DanceEast will be hitting the road this spring to bring a special children’s dance adventure, performed by world-class dancers, to villages and towns throughout Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk.

During March, families across the county will be able to experience dance on their doorstep with digit01, an enchanting performance for children aged 7 years and above. The show is a clever combination of live and virtual dance with projected computer animation to create a magical fantasy world.

Performed by Random Dance, the associate company of DanceEast, digit01 is the creation of company founder and newly appointed Royal Ballet choreographer Wayne McGregor, whose credits include Harry Potter The Goblet of Fire and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s West End hit, Woman in White.

DanceEast Director Assis Carreiro said: “This is DanceEast’s seventh village tour and it promises of be one the highlights of our year. digit01 gives children and their families the chance to experience world class dance in a venue close to home which we hope will inspire them and offer them a magical experience.”

During the show, audiences will be taken on a fantasy journey through a world where time and space is altered, to meet strange digital characters and virtual personalities. The piece is inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Did There, the sequel to Alice in Wonderland.

The 2007 Village Hall Tour kicks off in Ipswich on March 1st at the New Wolsey Studio, before moving on to visit 18 other centres across East Anglia and is complemented by an extensive workshop programme in schools. To book tickets please call the New Wolsey Theatre box office on 01473 295900 (see schedule below). For information on schools workshops please contact DanceEast on 01473 295 230.

Village Hall Tour Schedule – 2007
Thursday 1 March – New Wolsey Studio, Ipswich 7.00pm
Saturday 3 March – Haverhill Arts Centre 7.00pm
Sunday 4 March – Deben High School, Felixstowe 3.00pm
Wednesday 7 March – Clare Town Hall 7.00pm
Thursday 8 March – Kirkley High School, Lowestoft 7.00pm
Friday 9 March – Constable Memorial Hall, East Bergholt 7.00pm
Saturday 10 March – Roydon Village Hall, Nr Diss 7.00pm
Sunday 11 March – The Cut, Halesworth 3.00pm
Wednesday 14 March – Debenham Community Centre 7.00pm
Thursday 15 March – Mildenhall Jubilee Centre 7.00pm
Friday 16 March – Shotley Village Hall 7.00pm
Saturday 17 March – Sudbury Upper School Arts Centre 7.00pm
Sunday 18 March – Woolpit Village Hall 3.00pm
Thursday 22 March – Stradbroke Sports & Community Centre 7.00pm
Friday 23 March – Saxmundham Market Hall 7.00pm
Saturday 24 March – Somersham Village Hall 7.00pm
Sunday 25 March – Chamberlin Hall, Bildeston 3.00pm
Wednesday 28 March – Horringer Community Centre 7.00pm
Thursday 29 March – Langham Village Hall, Nr Colchester 7.00pm
For further information:
Rebecca Gillett, Press & Marketing Assistant, DanceEast
Tel: 01473 295242

Rachel Smith, Project PR & Marketing .
Tel: 01473 232365

FRENCH CONNECTION
SOMERSHAM/CHALLAIN LA POTHERIE
VILLAGE LINK
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Our friends from our link village from the Loire Valley in France will be visiting us in Somersham in the spring. They have fixed the date as:

NEXT VISIT TO SOMERSHAM
17th – 20th MAY 2007

We welcome new people to join with us on our exchanges. If you are interested in hosting a family or being involved in any way with the village link then please contact one of the following:

Gill Fordham: 831529; David Haughton: 831511;
Janet Hodge: 832296; Pat Woolhouse: 831080

Somersham Football Club

November saw both Somersham teams continuing in the same manner as for most of the season so far. The first team won one of their four matches and the reserve team saw another month pass without a win.

Then between the 2nd and 9th of December there was another corporate reshuffle within the club. For a number of personal reasons Derek Ottaway has had to call time (for the moment) on his promising managerial career. All at the club understand his decision and thank him for his time as manager of the reserve team. Derek’s assistant, Matty Whitton, has also had to take a step back from the running of the reserves due to work reasons. Again thanks to Matty from all at the club and hopefully both will be in a position to manage again in the future. I am delighted to say that Derek has agreed to continue in his role as Secretary so that the club is still being run behind the scenes in the right way.

Derek and Matty stepping down left a quandary for the club as to who might manage what! It was decided that Quinny Warner would take over the reserve team with Keith Lawrence continuing as manager of the first team with assistance from me! Hopefully we will be able to see this season out with no further changes, but I’m making no firm predictions!!

The 1st Team

Saturday 11th November
Parkside United – Div 3 (A) Lost 3-1
The management decided to try a new formation for this match. Unfortunately Somersham conceded 2 soft goals in the first half due to teething problems with this system. Parkside added a third in the second half and Dale Poole scored a consolation.

Saturday 18th November
Sporting 87 – Div 3 (H) Lost 4-0
I missed this game but have been told that this was Somershams best performance of the season so far. Sporting 87 are a good team and Somershams failure to take their chances cost them dearly again.

Saturday 25th November
Alstons – Div 3 (H) Won 4-3
After beating Alstons 3-1 at their ground Somersham felt confident of completing the double. Stef Nielsen and Dale Poole put Somersham into the lead, but Alston fought back to level the match. In a stroke of managerial genius, Quinny put the young Al Chester on up front, a move which paid dividends with the youngster rifling home from 21 yards to restore Somershams lead. Alstons equalized again, but Kieran Cotterell came up with the winner to secure 3 much needed points and the double over Alstons.

Saturday 2nd December
Elmswell – Div 3 (A) Lost 4-0
With a new goalkeeper, last seen heading for Bury, and an injury ravaged side things weren’t ideal at the beginning of this match. Stef Nielsen started between the posts until the keeper found the ground and that was Somersham’s best part of the afternoon. Although the new keeper Bruce had an outstanding game, Elmswell demolished Somersham in this match.

Saturday 9th December
Tacket St BBOB – Div 3 (H) Won 5-1
This game heralded the beginning of the new management of the first team. After a steady start Somersham found their feet and I believe were 2-0 up at half time, with goals from Dale Poole and Stef Nielsen. The second half saw Somersham add to the lead before Tacket St scored to briefly relight their belief in their chances, before the match was closed out. The second half scorers were Kieran Cotterell, Stef and Adam English.

Saturday 16th December
Parkside United - Div 3 (H) Won 3-0
Again Somersham started steadily but a deflected own goal and towering header from Jason Brame saw Somersham 2 up at half time. Dale Poole added a third in the second half.

Saturday 23rd December
Albion Mills - Div 3 (H) Won 1-0
The last game before the Christmas break found a determined Albion Mills at the playing field. Kieran Cotterell scored the valuable only goal to leave Albion doubled and Somersham with another 3 points.

November and December have seen the first team win more than they have lost and the self belief I mentioned in the last notes is beginning to return to the players. The 3 wins on the trot at the end of the year seem, at time of writing, to have galvanised the team. Let’s hope that this change of fortune will continue long into 2007!

The Reserves

Saturday 11th November
Tattingstone United – Div 4 (H) Lost 4-1
Somershams closest rivals for bottom spot came out the victors with Neil Meekings scoring a consolation goal.

Saturday 18th November
Great Blakenham – Div 4 (H) Lost 2-1
Some pride was restored after going down 8-0 in the away fixture. Somersham were unlucky not to gain their first point of the season and new signing Martin Booth notched his first goal for the club.

Saturday 25th November No Game

Saturday 2nd December
Walsham Le Willows ‘A’ – Div 4 (H) Lost 6-1
A strong Walsham team took the points in this fixture, but at least it was no white wash, with Craig Fordham getting the home teams consolation.

Saturday 9th December
Tacket St BBOB–Harpers Intersport Cup(A) Lost 2-1
Tacket St are a couple of divisions below the reserves, but were still difficult opposition who wanted to progress to the next round. This was Quinny’s first game in charge of the team and he was pleased with their performance. A few spurned chances cost Somersham the match with Ben Hurrell scoring the only Somersham goal. The referee also disallowed a late Somersham equaliser on the grounds that it would be too dark for extra time! When you’re at the bottom everything goes against you.

Saturday 16th December
Tattingstone United – Div 4 (A) Lost 6-3
Somersham hoped for revenge in this fixture and it seemed revenge and the first points of the season had been achieved with less than 10 minutes left. Somersham lead 3-2 with goals from Lee Beckley, Martin Booth and Craig Fordham. However, in a catastrophic final few minutes Somersham conceded 4 times to the bewilderment of all concerned.

Saturday 23rd December
Ipswich Exiles Reserves – Div 4 (A) Lost 4-2
Signs of an improvement to Somershams fortunes continued with them again scoring more than one goal, through Martin Booth and Damon Crick, but they still couldn’t stop conceding.

Although, as 2006 closed the reserves had still not gained any points, there were signs of improvement in the team. By all accounts a lot of the goals conceded are through poor decisions made throughout the team and there are signs that the goals scored column will improve a bit now. Quinny will endeavour to the last to gain as many points as possible and I am expecting to report the first points and first win for the reserves in my next notes.

The club have organised a race night for 31st March at the village hall. Full details will be on display around the village and within The Link. Please come and join in with what is always a great night. Anybody wishing to sponsor a race is more than welcome. Contact myself, Ray Smith, Dill Sillett or any member of the club for further details.

As ever, let me be the first to wish you a Happy Easter!

See you on Saturday!!! DON’T FORGET ANYTHING!!
Al Chester

Somersham Parish Council
February 2007

2007 Schedule of Planned Somersham Parish Council Meetings

Wednesday 7th February 2007 Committee Room, Village Hall
Wednesday 7th March 2007 Committee Room, Village Hall
Wednesday 4th April 2007 Committee Room, Village Hall
(Annual Parish Meeting)
Wednesday 9th May 2007 Committee Room, Village Hall
(Annual Parish Council Meeting)
Wednesday 6th June 2007 Playing Field Pavilion
Wednesday 4th July 2007 Playing Field Pavilion
Wednesday 5th September 2007 Playing Field Pavilion
Wednesday 3rd October 2007 Playing Field Pavilion
Wednesday 7th November 2007 Playing Field Pavilion
Wednesday 5th December 2007 Committee Room, Village Hall
Any unplanned Parish Council Meetings will be notified on the Parish Notice Boards.

Emergency Response Plan for Somersham
The last edition of the Link Newsletter contained a reply form relating to the Somersham Emergency Plan. A few forms have been returned and it is not too late to return yours. If you would like to offer help, or feel you might be particularly vulnerable in the event of an emergency please let us know.

Unfortunately due to technical problems it has not yet been possible to add the Emergency Response Plan to the Parish Council’s website, but it is hoped this will be rectified shortly when you should be able to view the plan on www.onesuffolk.co.uk/somershampc

Parish Council Elections
The Parish Council elections will take place on 3rd May 2007. Nominations forms will be available in early March either from the Returning Officer at Mid Suffolk District Council, or the Parish Clerk. This is your opportunity to become involved in the heart of the community and to influence the future of Somersham. If you feel this is a role you would enjoy, then you would be very welcome. The first step is to obtain and return the nomination form. Further details on the election will appear in next month’s edition.

Precept 2007/8
The Parish Council has approved an increase in next year’s precept from £11,000 in 2005/6 to £11,495 in 2007/8, which is in line with Government recommendations for local authorities. The precept is the income received by the Parish Council from its electorate which is collected on our behalf by Mid Suffolk District Council as part of the Council Tax. It is then paid to the Parish Council over two payments during the year. From the precept payment the Parish Council is committed to a long-term loan of £6500 per year, so the monies available to spend in the community are currently under £5000.

The Parish Council aims to support as many local organisations and initiatives as possible and is always pleased to consider requests for support.

How to contact your Parish Councillor
If you have any concerns or information you would like to discuss with one of your Parish Councillors, they can be contacted as follows: -

Janet Hodge – Chairman - 832296
Richard Browne – Vice Chairman – 831321
Terry Fordham – 831529
Geoff Kelly – 07852 928902
Chris Mills – 831667
Penny Pearson – 831436
Vic Pryke – 831436
Paul Stokes - 832413

Janet Clarke
Clerk to the Council

Tel. No. 01473 830398 E-mail: janetinclaydon@aol.com

Somersham Baptist Church

On 4th February we have a visit from Richard Underwood as we mark the 12th anniversary of this Church being re launched. We are greatly encouraged with way the Church has grown, both in congregation, membership, and ministry. We thank the Lord for this blessing.
On 18th February Paul Davies of the Albanian Evangelical Mission brings us up to date on the work of sharing the good news of Jesus in Albania.

Regular Sunday Morning Programme (You are welcome to join us for all or part of the morning).
10.00-10.30 Prayer Meeting (Communion 1st Sunday)
10.45-11.15 Bible Study
11.30-12.00 Worship
12.00-12.30 Sermon

Other Meetings
Children and Young People (During term time); Wednesday Club 6.30-7.30pm for primary school children, 14+ Friday’s 8.00-9.30pm Year 9 upwards.
Meetings for Ladies;
Women’s Fellowship Friday 9th February 2.30pm. Contact Mark if you need transport.
Friends and Neighbours 7.45pm 19th February.

All events are held at the Baptist Chapel, Chapel Lane, Somersham IP84 QE, and Transport is always available.
Contacts: Mark Newcombe (Pastor) 01473 831940. Mobile 07930 543583. mark.newcombe@btinternet.com
Edwin Mayhew 01473 658100

OFFTON & WILLISHAM VILLAGE HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Future Events

Please note the new contact number for hiring the Village Hall – 01473 658547

Alan Munson, Piano tutor at Flowton would like to congratulate the following pupils on their achievements in the ABRSM Autumn Music Exams:

Alice Downie passing Grade 1 practical with a merit, Megan Dade who passed Grade 1 practical and also to William Taylor and Henry Cutting both of whom passed their Grade 2 practical examinations.

Tel: 658425 email:alan@priory-pioneers.fsworld.co.uk

Offton Church
A big thank you to all the Church flower arrangers and cleaners who have put in time and
effort to maintain the appearance of Offton Church throughtout 2006.
We are short of a cleaner for the month of May, it only takes an hour or two. If any
reader is interested, please contact me.  Janet Dickson  658637.

F.O.S.S.
On behalf of all the members of FOSS, may we wish you all a very Happy New Year.

As we begin 2007, we usually have one of our quieter months before starting to arrange things for the children and the local community to raise much needed funds for our school.

December is always a particularly busy time at the school and one of great excitement for all the children. We had the traditional Christingle services at Somersham Church which were well attended. After the evening service we all returned to the school for some lovely mulled wine and some delicious mince pies that were kindly baked by Leita Minns. We are sure that all parents and grandparents etc will join us in congratulating ALL the children and staff at the school for their wonderful production of “Jack and The Beanstalk” which was performed from 11th to 14th December. Our sincere thanks must go to all the staff who worked so hard in preparing costumes and the backdrop for the pantomime as well as all their hard work in training the children in a short period of time. The performances were fantastic and we very much look forward to any future productions.

FOSS also purchased a Christmas present for each child at the school.

We have booked a disco for the children for Friday 23rd February at Somersham Village Hall. Last year we had a beach party and this year we thought the children may like to have a pyjama party!

We are also hoping to organise another Archive Film Evening for Friday 27th April. Negotiations are currently in progress and we hope to make an announcement in next months Link magazine as to whether this evening can go ahead and if it does, information about ticket sales etc.

Thank you to all those people that continue to send us the various tokens from box tops or Tescos and Sainsburys vouchers etc. Can we remind you that we still collect and recycle ink cartridges from printers and copiers, as well as mobile telephones.

We will notify you of all our forthcoming events next month.

WILLISHAM CHURCH NOTES

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Christmas Services
We were delighted to see so many of you at our Carol Service, and thank everyone who helped to decorate the church. The church was unlocked early on the Saturday morning, and when I came to lock up again in the evening, everything was in place

Willisham Church Cook Book
Now is the time to start sending in your recipes for inclusion in the new Willisham Church Cook Book to:
Frances Gilson, 9 North Acres, Willisham – 658387 – or by e-mail to ivan.gilson@btinternet.com Don’t forget our taste-in on the 20th April.

Unicef Jars of Grace
You should find details of the above with this issue of The Link Newsletter. If you would like to take part during Lent, please put the appropriate part of the form onto a small jar and put a coin into the jar before each meal. The money saved, can be returned to any member of the PCC, or taken to a church service, during Easter.

Church Roof
We are able to report that our application has been recommended for further consideration by English Heritage, and an inspection will be carried out as soon as possible.

Church Electoral Roll
The collation of the new Roll has been brought forward a year to 2007. This means that every one at present on the Electoral Roll will be asked to complete a new form, prior to our Annual Meetings on the 26th March. This is also the time to invite new members to come onto the Roll, so if you are interested please contact Frances Gilson for further details.

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Poppy Collection 2006 – Offton and Willisham
The Offton collection amounted to £107.50. Many thanks to Mr. R. Holloway.

The Willisham collection amounted to £88.71. Many thanks to Mrs. L. Ruffles

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Poppy Collection 2006 – Somersham
The amount collected for Somersham was £364.38. Many thanks to Mesdames Bridger, Marsburgh, Southgate and Messieurs Barr, Houghton and Mason.