Athelington, Horham & Redlingfield

WINTER 2013-14ISSUE NO. 24

NEWS

• Funerals arranged by trained

experienced staff in our friendly office environment or in the comfort of your own home

• Free transport for visits to registrars, our Chapel and other related appointments

• Bereavement support group Open to all in need

Office & Chapel of Rest located at Chestnut House, 12 Progress Way

Langton Green, Eye Suffolk, IP23 7HU

Independent of Any Large

Corporation and Truly Owned And Run by The Whymark Family

24 Hour Telephone Number 01379 8871168www.susanwhymark.co.uk

email susan@susanwhymark.co.uk

OUR VILLAGES AND VILLAGERShave been making the headlines sinceour last issue.

The 95th Bomb Group Associationwas on Radio Suffolk in the run-up toits annual vintage softball match. Thenlocal TV and newspapers gave plentyof coverage to the launch at the RedFeather Club of the exciting Eighth InThe East project, which has securedlottery funding to ensure that the storyof the ‘Friendly Invasion’ is kept alive.The East Anglian Daily Times’ JamesMarston then came to Horham for adouble-page feature on the RedFeather Club.

The 70th anniversary of theRedlingfield B-17 crash and the visitof relatives of the co-pilot werefeatured for a whole day on RadioSuffolk and Zach Ward and MarkBullimore from the Diss Express did

the event proud with video interviewsonline and in the paper. The EADT,Eastern Daily Press and BBC onlinealso featured the event.

Away from the Red Feather ClubStuart Brierley was in the news as partof the team making an award-winningbike in Diss. And the 95th BombGroup Hospital Museum featured inthe Diss Express when youngstersvisited to find out about wind andsolar power.

There’s more on some of thesestories inside this issue and many ofthe original reports are availableonline at the various newspaperswebsites (www.bbc.co.uk,www.dissexpress.co.uk,www.eadt.co.uk & www.edp24.co.uk).Sadly the Radio Suffolk reports areonly available online on the BBCiplayer for six days.

MANY APOLOGIES TO KATIE ABBOTT WHO TOOK LAST ISSUE’Sdramatic front-page picture, which I wrongly attributed to TrevorEdwards. Sorry and many thanks for the excellent photo. We’re always onthe lookout for good pictures to brighten up our pages so if you have oneplease pass it my way. Also I must apologise to our readers and deliverersfor the lateness of this issue. I’m afraid life’s little troubles just got in theway. All the contributions were sitting on my desk in good time but I justkept finding that events stopped me from getting down to producing thisissue. Anyway, I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy 2014.

Mike Ager

Winter 2013-14 1

EDITORIAL & NEWS

If you would like to advertise or contribute to the magazine or have an event ororganisation you would like featured contact: Evelyn Adey on

evelynadey@e1603.fsnet.co.uk or 01728 628428 at Ivy House Barn, SoutholtRoad, Athelington, IP21 5EL; or Mike Ager on mike@gn.apc.org or 01379 678835

at Hidcote Lodge, Mill Road, Redlingfield, IP23 7QU. Athelington, Horham & Redlingfield News cannot be held responsible for thequality of goods or services advertised in the magazine. This disclaimer is

inserted purely for legal/technical reasons and can in no way be construed asimplying criticism of any supplier of goods or services.

FEATURES & NEWS

2 Winter 2013-14

Even farmers are happy Trevor Edwards finds that Wash Farm’s wildlife is thriving

Tim Watts controls theboat as fine chalk is

spread to raise the pH ofWash Farm pond.

EVEN THE FARMERS AREhappy! After the late snowystart to the year, an excellent

summer and autumn has puteverything right. Spring barley, thesometime-Cinderella crop, yieldedthree tonnes per acre and the sugar-beet is coming off well.

It was also an excellent summer forthe birds, butterflies and bumble bees,but sadly not the honey bees.

However, one recent report was veryheartening. The British Trust forOrnithology says that the populationof house sparrows is no longerdeclining. At Wash Farm, we have aresident small flock, nowhere near asbig as the old days when the huge

untidy nests used to hang in thehedges, but still ever-present.

I think the same cautious optimismapplies to other birds, such as theskylark and yellow-hammer and it istime the RSPB moderated its doom-and-gloom headlines.

There is evidence that the uptake ofenvironmental schemes on farms,which provide grass margins andbigger hedges, is paying off.

Hares are very widespread, and on awet day, one will occasionally takeshelter in our poultry unit straw-stack.Happily unconcerned by the passingegg collectors, the hare sits out the badweather in the dry before heading backto the fields for a bit more grazing of

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the wheat fields. Burgeoning harenumbers have not caused any cropdamage so far, as they roam widelyover the whole field nibbling atrandom. Unlike rabbits, which cansoon strip bare a headland or three.

Five lovely red deer hinds werespotted by Paul the gamekeeper,moving from his Occold shootthrough Wash Farm this week. Thesedo no harm and are safe enough,though the muntjac which visited ourgarden is heading for the venison potif he makes a habit of it.

THE PATIENCE OF A BIRD-watchers’ spouse can be sorely tested,even to the extent of dominatingholiday destinations. This line ofthought led six of us to India, wherean exotic world of cranes, storks andpelicans, not to mention numerouskingfishers and the occasionalbonelli’s eagle, came into focus.

In Rajasthan, the fertile subsistencefarming included wheat, mustard,aniseed, cotton and opium, plus no

end of goats.The smoking ofopium was verysensiblyrestricted to theover 40s,though it wassmall comfortto hear thatlorry drivers use

it to stay awake on long journeys. Mr Wallace of Coney Weston, who

reminded us earlier that the snowyspring of 2013 was reminiscent of1947, proved very adept at ploughingwith a team of two oxen, though headmitted they were more difficult tohandle than horse-power.

The next field was being sowed withpeas. The same oxen would pull a one-row drill, the farmer drawing a deadstraight line whilst his wife walkingbeside him dropped single peas down atube to the ground. This coordinationprovided perfect seed spacing everytime, the result of unusual maritalharmony.

THE WAVENEY BIRD CLUB ISincreasingly adventurous with its clubtours, Bulgaria this year and Morocconext, and no doubt the trips today areas much fun as Estonia was back in2011.

Steve Piotrowski’s report at the timeevoked a lovely “Carry on Birding”feel as people got lost, (continued over)

Mr Wallace ofConey Westonploughing with a team of oxen in India.

FEATURES & NEWS

4 Winter 2013-14

(continued from page 3) hotels weredouble-booked and flights nearlymissed.

They enjoyed good hides and badhides, spartan ones and luxury ones.They helped themselves to oneespecially smart hide and quickly setup their telescopes on the balcony. Anangry Russian strode in, asked themwhat they were doing and soon toldthem that, as it was his house, theycould clear off. They did learn,however, that Europe is very strong ontree sparrows, a species struggling tokeep a foothold in Suffolk.

SOMETIMES, IT IS NOT ALL good news on returning from holiday,though thank goodness, the main gameof turkey egg production was goingvery well. The Gunners were fivepoints clear in the Premier League andlocal heroes Norwich City had justbeen trounced 7-0. In the egg unit, topturkey man Chris, a devoted Arsenalman from East London, and now oneof the senior breeding-flock staff,rather unkindly commented that

FEATURES & NEWS

Norwich were lucky to score nought.

EDDIE COE, OUR RETIREDblacksmith, recalls helping mygrandfather at Wash Farm when hewas 14 years old. He was conned intoriding an old Suffolk into the horsepond at the end of the day and justmanaged to leap off in time as thehorse rolled in the water to cool down.

The pond, though not silted up, hadbecome stagnant and covered in pondweed over the years and our fishlifewas struggling. So this year we tooksome advice about restoring the waterquality. Tim Watts of Fram Fisheriesrecommended spraying off the weedand raising the alkalinity by adding atonne of high-grade fine chalk.

The result is a resounding success,the sticklebacks are so visible that thekingfisher now finds it worthwhile topay us a visit once again.

OLD PROVERB FROM THE GREATsub-continent: India’s ladies like ringson their fingers and men on theirknees. Trevor Edwards

HORHAM AND ATHELINGTON VILLAGE HALL, THE OLD SCHOOL: Earlier this year,we received a Grant from MSDC which enabled us to repair the roof, and to insulateit; fortunately we were able to re-use the majority of the slates. The building at longlast being watertight, our attention turned to the electrics, and in the last few weeksmajor work has been done on the wiring; once again made possible by Grant Aid,from Mid Suffolk District Council, Suffolk County Council (Guy McGregor), TheSuffolk Community Foundation, Adnams, and the Britten/Pears Foundation. All these“Funders” were satisfied that our Victorian Old School was worthy of financialsupport; this is a vote of confidence, and we will be continuing with our programmeof restoration work in the springtime. The Old School was given to the Village ofHorham by the generosity of two local farmers, William Samuel Dolby and SydneyWilliam Cook, in 1949. The trustees are: Revd David Streeter, John Davy, Keith Hawes,Pip Florance, David Mitchell, Margaret Streeter, Daphne Harvey (Treasurer), JudyAndrews (Secretary). Margaret Streeter

FEATURES & NEWS

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TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD ITprobably appears that thedancers and musicians of

Hoxon Hundred Folk Club haveentered a dormant season. Far from it.

Autumn and winter are when weretreat to Hoxne Village Hall on aWednesday night and practise for thecoming year. For new members it’s thebest time to join us as there is theopportunity to learn and improve awayfrom the public gaze. The normalrecipe for the evening might start withstep dancing, (looks a bit like tap butI’ll get shot for saying so), a session ofGarland, (ladies interweaving withgarlands of flowers), or Cotswold,(men and women with sticks orhankies), followed by NW styledancing, (a big drum and lots ofprecision marching). Not many of ustackle all the dance styles but by theend of the evening we are all ready torelax with a little country dancingbefore wending our way home, maybevia the Hoxne Swan.

It’s been a fun season for Hoxon and

ended with an invitation to dance atthe Thornham Apple festival. It was acharity event to raise money for“Beyond The Wall”. Hopefully someof you will remember seeing us theredancing our Cotswold stuff for a verydeserving cause. The day was wellattended and the audience laughedwith us. Refreshments were of thehomemade variety and very tasty.Rain threatened but never succeeded inspoiling the day.

If you normally watch or join in ourBoxing day shenanigans then pleasemake a note that this coming Boxingday festivities will be at the HoxneSwan. We shall start our performancearound midday and, along withtraditional dancing and singing. We areintending to perform a Mummers play.

For more information about HoxonHundred Folk Club; what we do andwhen we do it contact: Bunny,650551, bernicenash@gmail.com orJan, 01449615569, janbud@live.co.ukor look us up on Facebook.

Chris Gibbons

A Hundred things to do...

HoxonHundred

Folk Club’sBunny &

Louiseshare a joke at

Thornham’sApple Dayfestivities

earlier this year.

REGULAR READERS of the village mag maybe familiar with the

engineering and cycling exploitsof Redlingfield’s Stuart Brierley.

Way back in 2008 we featuredhis involvement with the high-performance electric TeslaRoadster sportscar and he alsowrote about competing in theovernight London to Dunwichcycling event.

And earlier this year his workwith the Diss firm that producesthe world’s most technologicallyadvanced road bicycle hit theheadlines on local TV, press and in thecycling world after their racing bikewon a Gold award at the Eurobikeshow.

Project engineer (and amateur racer)Stuart took a pay cut from his previousjob at Lotus Cars for the chance towork on cutting-edge bikes. And thebikes are certainly state-of-the art. TheAston Martin One-77 Cycle, made byFactor Bikes, a subsidiary ofbf1systems in Diss was inspired by theAston Martin One-77 coupe,

The handmade £25,000 bicycle was

Bicycles get golden touch

launched at the company’s store inPark Lane, London.

Almost 90 people work for FactorBikes and bf1systems, which providescutting edge components for vehiclesin Formula 1, Indycar, World Rallyand Moto GP and has a client listincluding Ferrari, Lamborghini,Bentley, Aston Martin and Maserati.

They have also launched slightlymore affordable production Vis Viresroad bikes, the Shimano Dura-AceDi2 (£9,999) and Shimano Ultegra Di2(£5,999).

Stuart Brierley on a Vis Vires road bike.

6 Winter 2013-14

FEATURES & NEWS

AGE UK: Age UK Suffolk is an independent registered charity, working with and forsenior citizens across Suffolk. Their mission is to enable older people and theircarers to manage the challenges of aging while retaining choice and control overtheir lives. Although most people have heard of Age UK , many are surprised at therange of services on offer. Listed are some of those services: information (generaladvice) 01473 257039; benefits advice 01473 674222; independence advice 01473288048; befriending 01473 284254; community links 01473 298686; domesticinformation 01473 353261;. Jacqueline Love is the Age UK link for Redlingfield andcan be contacted on 678805. If you think Jacqueline can help give her a ring.

STRADBROKE & DISTRICTbranch of the Royal BritishLegion is holding a

Commemorative Christmas Service onSunday December 15th. All are invitedto Horham Baptist Church, ChapelLane, Horham, at 6pm.

The service will commemorate the100th anniversary of the start of WW1and the 70th anniversary of D-Day,which are both in 2014. In the spirit ofgiving, people are asked to bring asmall gift wrapped Christmas presentfor a serviceman’s wife at AACWattisham. The guest speaker will beGeneral The Lord Dannatt, GCB,CBE, MC, DL, former Chief of theGeneral Staff (CGS) 2006-2009.

The event has been organised bystandard bearer Joyce Cooper whorepresented the branch at the RBL’sFestival of Remembrance at the RoyalAlbert Hall. It is believed to be thefirst time the Stradbroke standard hadbeen paraded at the annual event.

REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICESwere very well attended aroundStradbroke War Memorial and atStradbroke Baptist Church. The shortservice at the memorial was conductedby Rev Peter Schwier. The Last Postand Reveille were sounded by JackHeydon and Steve Cook fromCastleton Brass. I gave the RBLTribute and 14 wreaths were laid. Thebranch standard was carried by JoyceCooper, the RBL H Group Standardwas carried by Flight Sgt Harley Crisp

from Diss Air Cadets and Sgt Elliottcarried the Diss Air Cadets standard.

The church service was conductedby John Ling, the lesson read byStradbroke Parish Council chairmanNick Stones, Joyce Cooper spokeabout the RBL’s work, CourtneyChilvers, the winner of this year’sStradbroke High School/RBL poetrycompetition, read her poem, anaddress was given by Gill Lee andblessing given by Rev David Streeter.

ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF our annual general meeting at LaxfieldKing’s Head was the presentation of acheque from the Norwich andPeterborough Building Society Dissbranch manager Abby Broughton.

Branch welfare officer and standardbearer Joyce Cooper told the agm shehad dealt with 19 welfare cases andcarried the standard on 32 occasionsduring the year. Treasurer BernardMills listed the donations made to thePoppy Appeal, the Suffolk chairman’sappeal and Halsey House, the RBL’shome in Cromer. A draw raised £75for the Poppy Appeal and Ted Boothwas presented with a tankard to markhis 90th birthday.

THE BRANCH’S CHRISTMAScarols and lunch will be at LaxfieldKing’s Head from 11.30am onThursday December 12.

Christmas greetings and a happyNew Year, Branch Chairman,

Michael Burton

Service seals busy year

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FEATURES & NEWS

FEATURES & NEWS

8 Winter 2013-14

ON A SUNNY, STILL, October afternoon, cleaningout the gutters and scraping

the moss off those tiles which arewithin reach is a pleasant job. Is thereanything as rewarding as being out inthe air on a fine day while beingusefully occupied?

As always the mind wanders fromthe immediate task, taking to suchthings as the nature of mosses (what isthe difference between moss andlichen anyway?). They vary from thepale grey flat sort which sometimeshas orange spots through to the plumpvivid green ones which can grow bigenough to resemble moles asleep withtheir noses and toes tucked in or theequally large, long-haired ones,looking like sea anemones. In TheSummer Book by Tove Jansson –there’s a book worth reading again –the grandmother reckons that if youtread on moss a second time it doesnot spring back and the third time itdies; if that is true perhaps I should bewalking about up there!

Our cottage is roofed with claypantiles and on the low roof at theback where I am working there is amixture of unglazed terracotta tilesand black glazed tiles. Given a choicehere the moss clearly prefers to makeits home on the unglazed tiles wherequite a crop has established itself. Thisis in spite of the birds loosening it andtossing it aside in the hunt for juicyinsects. Whenever I am working myway along the gutter I always come

Hitting new heights withacross a few eaves tiles which haveshifted – probably the work ofpromenading cats – and need to bemoved carefully back into position.This always produces a lovely noise oftile scraping against tile – a bit likefingernails scraping a blackboard.

Clay tiles have a long history of usein this country. Alec Clifton-Taylor inhis comprehensive book The Patternof English Building states that inEngland the Romans used baked clayfor roofing though not as extensivelyas elsewhere in their empire and asevidence of its later common useduring the Middle ages quotes from anordnance drawn up in 1212 which, inan effort to reduce the number of firesbreaking out in the City, prohibited theuse of thatch on roofs in London andpromoted the choice of clay tilesamong a list of preferred materials.

The legend is that clay pantiles firstarrived here as ballast on Dutchtrading ships and that we copied themand started to make them for ourselveswherever we had plenty of clay tohand. They soon became the roofcovering of choice throughout theeastern counties and are verycharacteristic from Kent and Essexcontinually up to Berwick and beyondto Inverness and further north. Theiruse was eclipsed somewhat with theadvent of the railways which broughtWelsh slate economically to theseareas and there was a further declinewhen mass-produced concrete tilescame into use after the Second World

NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS:Everone, including families, arewelcome at the New Year’s Evecelebrations at Horham CommunityCentre from 8pm onwards onDecember 31. Entry is free and therewill be live music from the ever-popularPaul ‘Hammy’ Hamilton, The bar will beopen and there will be a raffle. Pleasebring food or snacks if you can for thecommunal table, For more informationcontact Don Moyes on 07894903829 or horhamtractor@uwclub.net.

Don MoyesSHCT BIKE RIDE: Thank you to all theSuffolk Historic Churches TrustSponsored Bike Ride cyclists (Jake,Abbie and Ella Hawes, Daphne Harvey,Ian Heath, Daniel Streeter, LawrenceWeaver, Andy Smith, and David andMichael Whatling), to Horham churchstewards and all of our generoussponsors. We raised £883.10, which willbe divided equally between St Mary’schurch and the Suffolk HistoricChurches Trust. Daphne HarveyFATHER CHRISTMAS: Father Christmaswill again be delivering gifts by tractoron Christmas Day morning in bothHorham and Athelington. To book adelivery please ring Mother Christmason 384231. A donation is requested forthe East Anglian Children’s Hospice forthis service. There is no age restriction– young, old and every age in betweencan participate. Mother Christmas islooking forward to receiving your callsand booking in your deliveries.

Mother Christmas HARVEST SALE: Horham’s sale ofharvest produce raised £20 forChristian Aid. Daphne Harvey

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FEATURES & NEWS

an old roofWar. Clay pantiles had always beenmade in small local yards (this is whya job lot never properly fit together)and even this production all but ceasedat one time with only a single yard –William Blyth & Co of Barton onHumber, keeping up production.Fortunately they survived and for someyears now there has been a revival duein some part to the urging ofconservation officers to use the realthing and to their use on those newbuildings where their superior qualitiesover concrete tiles is recognised. Inaddition, the ecology movement hasargued that the overall life-time costmakes them cheaper than concrete.

Meanwhile I am still up on my stoolclearing out the gutter and wonderingwhat exactly this fine dark silt is thatcollects with rotting leaves in thegutter – where does it come from? Is itmerely dust from the air? Anyway,collected up with the leaves, moss andall it is bound to make good compost.The afternoon of lovely autumnalsunshine is turning to evening and I amhanging on as I have still got a lengthto finish. The birds are hanging onbecause like me they are hurrying todo what they can before the light goes.

We are all simply hanging on, notwanting to close the door on such aglorious day although those gulls who,unlike the rest of us workers, just seemto be idling about will have to get amove on if they are going to get hometo the coast before dark.

. Neville Butcher

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10 Winter 2013-14

● Alec Debenham: Alec Debenham passed away peacefully in Ipswich Hospitalon November 11th after a short illness. Beloved husband of Margaret, dearestdad to Linda and much loved grandad to Tom and the late Sam. Alec, 86, was anespecially good neighbour. He will be missed by many people and our sympathygoes to his family. A Service of Thanksgiving was due to be held at HorhamBaptist Church on Tuesday November 26th. A longer tribute will be in our nextissue. Evelyn Adey

AN AMBITIOUS THREE-year project to record thehistory of the East Anglian

airfields used by the USAAF duringWorld War Two got off the groundat the Red Feather Club thisautumn.

The Eighth In The Eastproject has been awarded a£575,000 grant by theHeritage Lottery Fund. Itaims to work with localmuseums, record memoriesand collect photos.

The project will look at the 67airfields in the East which providedbases for USAAF bombing raids overGermany. It wants to collect thestories of Americans who served andlocal people who lived near the bases1942-45.

The RFC has been chosen as theSuffolk hub museum along with the100th at Thorpe Abbotts for Norfolk.This exciting project will pay for therecording of archives, archaeology,advertising and promoting themuseums and airfields. Professionalswill be regularly using the RFC’sarchives, cataloguing everything wehave to help produce an insight intothe 8th Air Force for many generations

RFC is leading the way into come. A full virtual reality model ofan airfield is also being planned, andthis is likely to be of Horham.

Nick Patrick, project leader, said:“There are some tremendous

voluntary museums that keepthis heritage alive, such asHorham and Parham inSuffolk, but they needyoung people to come inand take up this history. Wehope by the end of the three-

year project there will bethings like cycling and

walking tours... This grant willhelp to secure their legacy and help

future generations engage with it.”The event included 1940s swing

dance displays from RFC regulars. The 95th Bomb Group Heritage

Association helped the Eighth in theEast with its lottery bid.

THE RED FEATHER CLUB IScontinuing to attract young peoplewith visits from both Cub Scouts andschools.

In September, 27 Cubs from the 1stEye Scout Group visited and workedtowards their aviation badge.

In October, more than 40 youngstersfrom Stradbroke High School visited

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in Yorkshire.

FEATURES & NEWS

BRITISH RED CROSS IN SUFFOLK: TheRed Cross’ Suffolk Mobility Aids loanservice has gone mobile and can nowdeliver equipment, such as wheelchairsor commodes to your home. Theorganisation found vulnerable peopleacross the county often could not get toa local Red Cross centre and so it hasintroduced a new delivery service. Theequipment loans are still free but thereis a charge for delivery. Borrowed itemscan still be collected free of chargefrom: Bury St Edmunds, Haverhill,Ipswich, Woodbridge, Newmarket andSouthwold. The Red Cross also sellsecond hand wheelchairs. Contact01473 219261. Jane DowSTRADBROKE WEA: Art Treasures ofMedieval East Anglia is the subject of aStradbroke WEA course being held inthe Spring. The course starts onWednesday January 29 at StradbrokeCommunity Centre from 2.15pm to4.15pm. Anyone is welcome to attendthe first meeting before committingthemselves to the course. The fee is£48.50 for eight weeks. For info contact01728 724746.CLEAN UP NETS £400: Horham PCC ismost appreciative of the sterling effortsby Gail Marsh in cleaning St Mary’schurch in October. The church is nowextra spick and span and £407 hasbeen raised thanks to sponsors.

Daphne HarveyHEALTH WALKS: A new programme of‘Health Walks’ is being offered acrossSuffolk. You can find details of differentwalks at http://livewellsuffolk.org.uk orcall 01473 229292. The Stepping Out InSuffolk programme launched inNovember runs until February.

the eastas part of their exam work. RayHowlett, 95th Bomb Group HeritageAssociation historian and archivist, hasbeen working with the Head of Historyat the school on a project on the 95thBomb Group, Horham airfield and thelocal impact during the war. He hasalso produced a new schools pack,which is going out to all schools in thearea inviting them to visit the museumto learn about the rich local history.

Forty youngsters from Diss InfantsSchool visited in November for aspecial themed day. The theme was‘hero for a day’ and the youngsterstook Col John K. Gerhart, whocommanded the 95th from June 1943to April 1944 as their hero.

THE RED FEATHER CLUB HASlined up a packed programme ofevents for 2014: Sun Feb 16,Charleston Dance Workshop; WedMarch 19, Archive film show(members £3, non-members £4); SatMarch 22, Swing Dance with Skyliner& Django Man (tickets £12, on saleJan 6); Sat April 5, Old Time MusicalShow; Sat July 5, Americana Dance;Sun July 6, Americana Day; Thur Sept4 to Thur Sept 11, Reunion visit.Public open days are the last Sundayof the month, April to Octoberinclusive, with a vintage softball matchin September. The RFC is open onSaturdays if the flag is flying. Seewww.95thbg-horham.com and pressfor up-to-date details of events.

Mike Ager

12 Winter 2013-14

FEATURES & NEWS

THE 95TH BOMB GROUP HOSPITAL MUSEUM: The 95th Bomb Group HospitalMuseum, Shingle Hill, Denham, has had a good year with regards to visitor numberson open days on the last Sunday of the month (May to October). There have alsobeen meetings of hot rod and classic motor cycle clubs and these attract morevisitors as they offer something different. The tea room has proved very popularserving tea and cakes etc. In October we had some American visitors who werebased in Woodbridge during the Cold War and their fathers were based here in 1944-45. One was wounded in action and his daughter found a picture of him in bed in themain ward at the hospital. 2014 looks to be interesting with other clubs looking tobook in and new displays marking the 100th anniversary of World War 1. If anybodyhas a story or items which can be on loan for this they would be welcome. Therenovation of the external walls etc have now been completed, It has only taken 17years so it is just a matter of keeping it all in good repair. Tony AlbrowHORHAM & ATHELINGTON COMMUNITY CENTRE: We had an enjoyable BonfireNight. The weather was kind to us this year and we enjoyed a night of “ohs” and“ahs” as a spectacular firework display took place. After the display many returnedinside to the community centre for hot dogs and chips and to continue with thecelebration. We had a magnificent display and bonfire carefully built before the eventby Don Moyes and his team and it was disappointing that chunks of concrete andnon- flammable rubbish had also been dumped. In previous years gas bottles hadbeen found illegally dumped on what is meant to be a celebration bonfire. Safety isalways extremely important at such events and had it not been for the vigilance oforganisers we could have seen some serious consequences. The Village Hall Trust iscurrently reviewing the security of this site for the future. Our next event is aChristmas Dinner Dance on Friday December 13. There will be a three-course menuincluding sherry on arrival, wine with the meal and coffee and mints withentertainment by Kate McCabe. The final date for booking is December 4. Ticketsare £23 for members and £26 non-members (contact Angela on 384625). OnSunday December 15 there will be a Children’s Christmas Party in the communitycentre. Details available from Karen on 384754. Angela Wilkins WINTER COFFEE MORNINGS: The Redlingfield village coffee mornings will continueon Wednesdays through winter following a successful gathering in November at thehome of Herbert and Pauline Abbott. On December 4 we will meet at the home ofJan & Neville Butcher, Hill Cottage, for sherry, mince pies and a free raffle. OnJanuary 1 (Yes – New Year’s Day) we will meet at the home of Midge and ChrisGibbons at Rush Meadow where there will be sherry/fruit juice and a book swap. OnFebruary 5 we meet at the home of Linda Hudson, Woodvale, when the CoffeeCaravan Campervan will join us. Finally, for this winter, on March 5 we will meet atthe home of Jacqueline and David Love, 1, Abbotts Meadow, where there will beanother free raffle. All meetings are from 10am until noon, the same as for theCoffee Caravan which will return to the village in April 2014. Everyone is welcome,please come and join us. For any infotmation or if a lift is needed, contact Jacquelineon 678805. Jacqueline Love

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OLD BOYS (& GIRLS) NETWORK: Fressingfield Scouts are trying to contact anyonewho was involved with scouting in Fressingfield in the past. Fressingfield ScoutGroup Old Boys (and Girls) Network plan to have two or three get-togethers a year.Whether you were involved as a Beaver, Cub, Scout, Venture Scout, Explorer, leader,helper or on the committee in the past please get in touch. If you were a member ofthe group but do not wish to join the network, we would be very interested in anymemorabilia such as badges, uniforms, books, and especially photographs you mayhave either as a gift to our archive or to copy. Contact Michael Knights (668060 ordaganyafarm@tiscali.co.uk) or Eammon Andrews (384207 oreammonandrews@gmail.com). Andrew Aalders-Dunthorne

Woodland is flourishingAT THE AGM OF THE NEW

Reeding Woods Group atPound Lane Wood in August

the Chairman reported on thecontinuing success of this communitywoodland. The trees continue toflourish although about 20 per cent ofthe ash is affected by Chalarafraxinea.

However, the other trees and thehedge are developing well and the siteis starting to look like a young wood.The sculptural work done to the hugeoak trunk by the pond has beencompleted, and provides a welcomingseat and climbing frame whilepreserving the natural beauty of thisancient tree. Routine maintenancecontinues, with the fencing continuingto keep rabbits out and dogs andchildren in.

The water level in the pondfluctuates, but the vegetation around itis establishing and settling this featureinto place. The wild flowers continueto flourish, with different speciesbecoming more dominant year on year.Wild life in the woodland is

burgeoning with dragonflies andbutterflies being the most visible.

The running costs are minimal, butthere are still maintenance andinsurance costs to be met. Previouslythe group has raised funds by makingand selling rustic items at the HorhamRally. For the last two years thispotential source of fundraising hasbeen lost, so the group have decided tomake a few items to sell at craftmarkets and car boot sales. Using whatskills they have, they are making birdfeeders, whistles, pegs, boot jacks andstools, and in the spring they will offerbenches, wooden hammers, charcoaland willow obelisks.

To support your local communitywoodland visit our table at the HoxneArtisans Market. To develop your ownwood crafting skills, join with usmaking these items which will enableus to keep the woodland solvent.

If you would like to join the group orbecome a “Friend” of the woodlandplease contact Mike Reeves on 668179or David Mitchell on 388148.

Mike Reeves

FEATURES & NEWS

WHAT’S ON

14 Winter 2013-14

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1Fram Christmas Charity Market: 13thAnnual Charity Market on Market Hill. Santa Special: Mid-Suffolk Light Railway.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4 Redlingfield Coffee Morning: Jan &Neville Butcher, Hill Cottage, 10am-noon.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 Christmas Craft Fayre & Carol Singing:Occold playground. A family evening withcraft stalls, 6pm onwards.Worlingworth School Frost Fayre:raffle, stalls, BBQ, Father Christmas &more, 3.30pm-6pm. The Searchers Christmas Show: DissCorn Hall, 7.30pm.1st Fressingfield Scout Group GangShow: Stradbroke High School.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 TO SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8Christmas tree festival: St Mary’sWorlingworth. Fri from 7pm, sausage rolls& mince pies. Sat 10am-4pm, lunchesserved. Sun 10am-2pm, lunches served.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7Christmas Tree Festival: Opens in StMichael’s Church Fram, 10am.Christmas Fair: All Saints Church StokeAsh, 10am-noon.ORAC Christmas Dinner: Occold VillageHall, 3-course ‘carvery-style’ meal,£12.50 per person (£10 concs). Call Di on678198 to book your place.Magnificat! Eye Bach Choir with Ian LeGrice (organ), Hannah Mayhew (soprano)and conductor Leslie Olive. Eye ParishChurch, 7.30 pm. Tickets £12 reserved,£10 unreserved, from Eye Pharmacy, atthe door, phone 01728 747371 or emaileyebachchoir@aol.co.uk.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8Santa Special: Mid-Suffolk Light Railway. Jonathan Wyatt Big Band & MoonglowSisters: Diss Corn Hall, 7.30pm.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11 Helmingham Cookery Experience -Christmas: Helmingham Hall, 10am-5pm, £150.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 Redlingfield Christmas Lunch: the OldMill House, Saxted.Hoxne Cinema - Hyde Park on Hudson:Hoxne Village Hall, St Edmund’s Hall,7.30pm, £3.50.Christmas Dinner Dance: HorhamCommunity Centre. Last date for bookingDec 4. £23 members & £26 non-members. Angela 384625 (see story).

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14Santa Special: Mid-Suffolk Light Railway.The Burgate Singers presents:Magnificat by J S Bach, Magnificat byCPE Bach & Misa Brevis by ZonltanKodaly, Diss Corn Hall, 7.30pm.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 Children’s Christmas Party: HorhamCommunity Centre. Details from Karenon 384754. Santa Special: Mid-Suffolk Light Railway.Stradbroke & District RBL ChristmasService: Horham Baptist Church, 6pm(see story).South Norfolk Youth Symphonic Bandpresents: Christmas Concert, Diss CornHall, 7pm.Country Music: Rancher Country,Debenham Community Centre, 7.45pm-11pm, doors open 7pm (01728 861101).

THURSDAY-TUESDAY, DECEMBER, 19-24The Canterville Ghost: Fram CollegeTheatre.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20-22 Diss Corn Hall & The Keepers Daughterpresents: The Wind in the Willows.7.30pm every day & 2pm Sat & Sun.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 Santa Special: Mid-Suffolk Light Railway.Tuesday January 1

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31 New years eve celebrations: HorhamCommunity Centre, 8pm (see story).

New Year’s 13-14 Party: Thorndon VillageHall, 8m till late. Live music by TheZephyrs. Buffet supper, late bar, raffle,.Tickets £15-from Clinton 678551 orGraham 678676.

Diss Corn Hall: Corn Hall, St Nicholas Street, Diss. Box Office: 652241 &boxoffice@disscornhall.co.uk. Full programme at www.disscornhall.co.uk ; Framlingham:www.framlingham.com. Helmingham Hall, 01473 890799, events@helmingham.com,www.helmingham.com; Hoxne Cinema: Tickets from Jenny Knights 668060, Hoxne PO &Stores, or via www.hoxnevillagehall.co.uk; Mid-Suffolk Light Railway, Brockford Station,Wetheringsett nr Stowmarket, Suffolk Suffolk IP14 5PW, www.mslr.org.uk, general enquiriesKeith Froom 01449 672670 or keith.froom@ftinternet.co.uk; Museum of East Anglian Life,Stowmarket, 01449 612229, enquiries@eastanglianlife.org.uk; Redlingfield, 678835,pc@redlingfield.suffolk.gov.uk, www.redlingfield.suffolk.gov.uk; Suffolk Owl Sanctuary,Stonham Barns, 08456 807897, info@owl-help.org.uk, www.owl-help.org.uk; WingfieldBarns, 384505, enquiries@wingfieldbarns.com, www.wingfieldbarns.com (MidweekMovies: Tickets £5 on the door, 1.30pm matinee and 7.30pm evenings).

WHAT’S ON

Winter 2013-14 15

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1 Redlingfield Coffee Morning: New Year’sDay at Midge and Chris Gibbons, RushMeadow, sherry/fruit juice and a bookswap, 10am-noon. New Year Steam: Mid-Suffolk Light Railway.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 Redlingfield Coffee Morning: LindaHudson at Woodvale, when the CoffeeCaravan Campervan, 10am-noon.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16Stradbroke Cinema - Blue Jasmine:Stradbroke Community Centre, 7pm for7.30 pm. Admission £5.50. Bar open andice-creams in the interval.

SATURDAY JANUARY 25Burns Night: Thorndon Village Hall, 7pmfor 7.30pm till late. Haggis supper &entertainment. Tickets £20 from Clinton678551 or Graham 678676.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15Family Valentine’s Night disco:Worlingworth.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Charleston Dance Workshop: RedFeather Club.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20Stradbroke Cinema - Le Weekend:Stradbroke Community Centre, film to beconfirmed,

MONDAYS: Ballroom dancing: St Edmund’s Hall, Hoxne, 7.30pm-9.30pm (for adults). SandraHartley, 01728 723887.

TUESDAYS: T PLUS: Community Café with stalls, All Saint’s Church, Thorndon every Tues,10am-noon. Bingo: Thorndon Village Hall, 7.30pm every other Tues. 678178. Zumba:Horham & Athelington Community Centre, 7pm, Terri Cave, 01728 627756 &07563534086

WEDNESDAYS: Redlingfield & Occold WI, 1st Wed of the month at, 7.45pm, in Occold VillageHall. Hoxon Hundred: Summer dance-outs at local pubs. Winter practices. Ron Ross,643563. Eye Country Market, every Wed 10am-11am, Eye Town Hall (closed Jan).

THURSDAYS: Zumba: Worlingworth Community Centre, 7pm, Terri Cave, 01728 627756 &07563534086

FRIDAYS: Bingo: Stradbroke Community Centre, Wilby Road, 2nd Fri monthly. 7.30pm. MaryEllis, 384642.

FRIDAYS/SUNDAYS: Traditional music: Worlingworth Swan, 2nd Fri evening of month insummer & spring. Sun lunchtimes in autumn & winter.

SATURDAYS: Occold Market & Car Boot: Occold Village and Village Hall, 9.30am-noon, lastSat of the month from March to November.

SUNDAYS: Open days: Red Feather/95th Bomb Group Heritage Association & 95th BGHospital Museum last Sun of month April-October inclusive,

ON A CRISP MORNING 70 YEARS AFTER AB-17 Flying Fortress from neighbouring Horhamairfield crashed in Redlingfield killing all ten crew

the village commemorated their loss with a specialceremony.

Not only was it 70 years on from the November 19th1943 crash that destroyed Green Farm but miraculouslytook no lives in the village but the occasion was alsomarked by the visit of relatives of co-pilot WarrenMansfield Strawn – the first relatives to visit the memorialsince it was dedicated in 2010.

Re-enactors Reg and Scott Bradley with Matt Miles setthe scene in period uniform with the Stars and Stripesflying at half mast as villagers gathered at the memorialclose to the scene of the crash.

T/Sgt Morgan and S/Sgt Schlotthauer from Lakenheath,T/Sgt Andrew ‘Drew’ Wilder from Mildenhall andStradbroke & District Royal British Legion standardbearer Joyce Cooper lined up alongside the memorial withUSAF 48th Fighter Wing, Wing Chaplain, Ch, Lt ColGary Snyder and the new rector Rev Michael Womack.

Current Suffolk County Council Chairman GuyMcGregor attended in his official regalia and Eddie andEdith Coe – who first proposed a memorial be erected –were also at the ceremony.

Marcia Moyer, the niece of Warren Mansfield Strawn,had made the trip with her brother Danny Clegg and hiswife Ninette. Danny and Marcia along with AnnStebbings, who as a little girl was rescued from nearbyGreen Farm which destroyed in the crash, laid a wreath.

Lt Col Snyder, Rev Womack and 95th Bomb GroupHeritage Association chairman gave addresses before amoving speech by Marcia.

Marcia told the BBC: “I’m emotional and overwhelmedat what this community has done to remember my uncleand the rest of the boys. No-one should be forgotten who

Commemorating aspecial anniversary

Top: the two minutes’silence. Inset: AnnStebbings & BeverleyAbbott. Left: Danny Clegg & Marcia Moyer, the nephew & niece of co-pilot 2nd Lt WarrenMansfield Strawn, in theforeground at theceremony. Facing page from top: Marcia beinginterviewed by Radio Suffolk; Lt Col Snyder & Suffolk CountyCouncil Chairman GuyMcGregor;T/Sgt ‘Drew’Wilder with ChristineMutton; & Eddie & Edith Coe.

y

have given their lives for thecause of freedom.

“Even though I didn’t knowmy uncle, as I was born afterthe war, I’m very proud ofwhat he did and he paid theultimate sacrifice.”

The event was featured throughout theday on Radio Suffolk with interviewsrecorded after the event at the site inRedlingfield and at the Red FeatherClub. Marcia was also interviewed afterthe event by Radio Suffolk’s Lesley

Dolphin. A Diss Expressreporter and photographeralso recorded the event.

Thank you to all thosewho helped and attendedthe ceremony and thoseback at the Red Feather

Club who made sure we could thaw outafterwards at a get-together with hotrefreshments. Also special thanks toPatrick and Beverley Abbott who hostedour three visitors from the US.

Mike Ager

Winter 2013-14 17

18 Winter 2013-14

POLICE REPORT, FEATURES & NEWS

THE COST OF HEATING OIL HASsoared in recent years, and theincidence of oil thefts reflects this.There is no magic remedy for securingyour oil tank, but the following advicemay assist you.

Obviously the security of the tank isstep one in the prevention of theft andsome people advise not to lock tankinlets as criminals may just drill a holein the tank wall to extract the oil.

However, we believe that this is badadvice as locks are like anything onepurchases, the higher the cost usuallythe better the lock and many cannot becut or forced open. If the tank isdamaged by theft or attempted theftsuch damage is usually covered bybuilding and contents insurance.Obviously appropriate security willkeep one’s insurance premiums down.

Also:● Consider screening your tank withfencing or hedges.● Close and secure any gates.● Try to restrict vehicle access in thevicinity of your tank. If it is safe to doso, perhaps you could park you ownvehicles in close proximity to make it

more awkward for a thief.● Check your insurance to ensure thatyou are covered for any loss of oiland/or damage or contamination whichmay occur as a result of crime.● Consider installing a tankalarm/security device (consult yourtank supplier). ‘Watchman’, forexample, also produce an alarmedversion of their ‘Sonic’ monitor. Anysecurity measures that directly affectthe tank or pipe work should be carriedout in consultation with your heatingoil tank supplier.● Regularly check your fuel levels,consider installing a sensor that ismonitored from inside the home (suchas a ‘Watchman Sonic’ Monitor).● When fuel is delivered ensure thatyou see the driver put the ticket in themeter or, if you are not at home,ensure you know what was in the tankprior to the delivery and then, as soonas you can, check what is in the tankafter the delivery. Report anydiscrepancy immediately to thesupplier. If they refuse to investigateget in touch with Trading Standardsand the Police.

Mid Suffolk North Safer Neighbourhood Team,PCSO 3172 Steven Long & PC 878 Jacqui Thomas,Eye Police Station, Mid-Suffolk North SaferNeighbourhood Team, The Lodge, Castleton Way,Eye, Suffolk IP23 7BH. Phone 101, emailMidsuffnorth.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk

■ PLANNING: To be decided – application to continue use of meadow for threecamping events each year during summer, Athelington Hall, Horham Road,Athelington; application to use land for siting marquee for events during 2014.Marquee to be in-situ from May 1st.to October 4th, Athelington Hall, Horham Road,Athelington. Granted – application to erect new carport, garage, log store andgames room over (application to replace existing permission in order to extend thetime limit for implementation),Rose Farm, Athelington Road, Horham.

Winter 2013-14 19

YOUR NEWSPAPERS,televisions and radios willhave been awash with newsabout the governmentreshuffle which took place in

October. There will have been tales ofministers waiting by their phones todiscover their fate (as portrayed by theexcellent Paul Eddington as Jim Hacker inthe marvellous TV series Yes Minister)and film of the “winners” and “losers”entering and leaving the famous blackNo10 door of Downing Street.

The role of Prime Minister in the UK is auniquely British one. You may not beaware but there is no codified definitionof the role set out in statute, or anywhereelse. The only legislation whichrecognises the position of Prime Ministeris the 1937 Ministers of the Crown Act. Itdoes not define the role but only howmuch he or she was to be paid!

The powers which can be exercised bythe PM are set out in statute, usually inthe capacity as First Lord of the Treasury,Minister for the Civil Service or otherministerial offices. Practically this meansthe positions within government arewithin “his gift”. Thus the PM has thepower to appoint or remove ministers ashe or she sees fit and can exercise thatpower at any time.

The Prime Minister does have otherpowers which have not been conferred byParliament – these are the powers of theMonarch. These include common lawpowers and powers that are particular tothe Crown. The PM exercises somepowers through the Monarch under theancient royal prerogative such as warmaking. The Government has produced a

list of these powers but even this is notcomplete!

At the recent reshuffle I was luckyenough to be tasked with continuing myrole at the Department of Health.Something I will continue to do alongsidemy most important role as your MP.

Away from Westminster I have been outin the constituency visiting businessesand organisations. I recently spoke to theSuffolk Independent Careers Conferenceand have visited Anglia Freight in Eye andMcDonalds in Whitehouse. I have enjoyedattending fetes this summer and havetried to visit as many as possible.

I was also very pleased to attend twoMacmillan World’s Biggest CoffeeMorning events, one organised by theTuddenham St Martin WI and the other atEndeavour House in Ipswich. I am alwayspleased to support charities such asthese that do so much to help others intheir time of need.● I hold regular constituency advicesurgeries to help people who haveproblems. If you think that I may be ableto help you, contact 01728 685148, oremail www.drdanielpoulter.com.

If you could spare some time to helpdeliver my advice surgery leaflets I wouldbe most grateful. They are a good way ofletting as many people as possible knowa surgery will soon be taking place intheir area. Even delivering to just a fewhouses is a great help.

If you can help, contact me by email atdaniel.poulter.mp@parliament.uk orphone my local office on 01728 684834.For more information please visitwww.drdanielpoulter.com

Dr Dan Poulter, MP

DR DAN POULTER, YOUR LOCAL MP, REPORTS BACK

COLUMNS

COLUMNS

MID SUFFOLK DISTRICTCouncil is nearing the end ofthe integration process withBabergh and there is no doubtthat there have been

significant savings made by sharing staffat all levels.

We are not the only councils in thecountry to do this but we were certainlyamong the first and are proud of the bigleap of faith we made three years ago.

There are some statutory services thatwe must deliver such as bin collectionand planning but there have had to besome cuts to other services.

We are also working with parishcouncils to see where local services canbe delivered by local people such asgrass and footpath cutting. I am verygrateful to all those parish councillorsthat either get elected or co-opted on toParish Councils.

It is a voluntary job and turning out ona cold winter night to the parish hall isn’teveryone’s idea of fun, but the goodgovernance and welfare of the people ofthe parish is actually a privilege. We askyou to take decisions affecting the lookand future of the village with little rewardsave the fact that you know you havedone it. Thanks again.

Being a rural and mostly farming wardwe accept that the roads are not alwaysin the best of condition and thankfullythis year most of the beet was drawn

before the wet weather set in but therehave been some roads that were verydefinitely slippery from field mud, somefarmers were good enough to clear upafter the lorries.

Another issue that is becoming moreirritating is the siting of gas guns that gooff near to houses and very early in themorning. We are a rural community as Isay but we do have some elderly peoplethat find the guns frightening. Perhapsthey could be better sited?

There are still applications comingforward for wind turbines, Mid Suffolk hasno overall policy for the applications andeach one is still taken on their merit (ornot). I personally think we have got usedto some in our area but everyone affectedby an application is fully entitled to puttheir case for and against.

The future of the Gas Fired PowerStation on Eye Airfield has come to theend of the consultation. The District ismaking its response but the final decisionis with the Government. We await theiranswer in the New Year.

Once again it is has been a greatpleasure to be your district councilor foranother year, I do have the privilege torepresent a cluster of lovely villages andwonderful people.

I wish you and your families a veryHappy Christmas and a bright New Year.

Elizabeth Gibson-Harries,District Councillor – Hoxne Ward

YOUR DISTRICT COUNCILLOR

20 Winter 2013-14

FOSTER A PET: Debenham-based charity, Suffolk Animal Rescue, is looking forvolunteers and foster carers. Volunteering could be as simple as helping at afundraiser, or becoming a home checker ensuring all our dogs, cats and smallanimals are given the best possible start. If you are interested in helping contact01728 860937 or suffolkar@hotmail.com. Jayne Roberts

Winter 2013-14 21

COLUMNS

The seven parishes that make up the Hoxne Benefice – Athelington, Denham, Horham,Hoxne, Redlingfield, Syleham and Wingfield – would like to appoint an administrator towork for 2-3 hours per week. The duties include:● To manage the Benefice account, bookkeeping, paying in of cheques received andpaying out of church fees on a monthly basis● To invoice the seven churches for rector’s and admin expenses monthly● To submit the church fees return to the diocese quarterly● To undertake administrative duties as required by the rector, eg correspondence,telephone calls, emails, newsletters, service sheets, simple proof reading,photocopying, laminating, filingFull training and support would be given. If you are interested please contact MichaelWomack on 388889 or email hoxnebenefice@gmail.com.

I WAS REMINDED THEother day that the farmingyear starts on Michaelmas –the date when farms havetraditionally changed hands.

We are quite used to the calendar ofdifferent groups starting on differentdates; anyone who has dealings with thetax office will know the importance ofthe beginning of April.

The church’s internal calendar beginsfour Sundays before Christmas whenAdvent season starts.

It is a season marked by theanticipation of Christmas, so in thatrespect it has something in commonwith the calendar that shops seem tofollow!

However, more than just anticipatingthe celebration of the birth of Jesus, italso has in it anticipation of the comingof the Kingdom of God.

To which, a perfectly reasonablequestion is, why the hold up?

In one of his books (Mere Christianity)CS Lewis sketches the idea that thosewho seek to follow Jesus are part of a

clandestine force working in anticipationof victory.

The book came out of a series of radiotalks that he’d given at the height of theSecond World War so it is easy to seewhere he got the image from; an imagewe can also trace in his popular Narniabooks.

Is this clandestine force at work in ourvillages? Even in my short time here Ihave been struck by the sense ofcommitment and community spirit of agood number of people quietly involvedin, for example the Coffee Caravan, thenumber of churches that are collectingfor the Waveney Food Bank or takingdrama into our schools through Openthe Book or the care of the MothersUnion singing in the DeeperhaughNursing Home and the countless otheracts of selfless service that all add up toa Christian influence in society.

But new recruits are always welcometo come and join us as we seek to usherin the Kingdom of Love.

Michael Womack (388889 orhoxnebenefice@gmail.com)

THE RECTOR REFLECTS … ADVENT – THE COMING OF THE KING?

22 Winter 2013-14

CHURCHES

C of E: Rev Michael Womack is rector of the Hoxne Benefice serving Athelington,Denham, Horham, Hoxne, Redlingfield, Syleham and Wingfield. St Andrew’s House,Vicarage Road, Wingfield, IP21 5RB, 388889 or hoxnebenefice@gmail.com. St Andrew,Redlingfield; St Peter, Athelington; St Mary, Horham. Enquiries to: Daphne Harvey,Horham (384216); Evelyn Adey, Athelington (01728 628428) Hazel Abbott, Redlingfield(678217). Dec 1 Redlingfield, 9.45am, HC; Hoxne, 11.15am, HC; Syleham, 11.15am MP;

Wingfield, 3.30pm, Christingle; Athelington, 4.30pm, Advent Carols.Dec 8 Horham, 9.30am, HC; Wingfield, 11.am, FC; Hoxne, 11.15am, FS and

Baptism.Dec 15 Athelington, 9.45am HC; Syleham, 10am, VS; Hoxne, 11.15am, HC;

Wingfield, 4pm carols by candelight.Dec 19 (Thurs) Hoxne, 7.30pm, carols.Dec 22 Wingfield, 10am, HC; Hoxne, 10am, christingle; Denham, 11.15am, carols;

Syleham, 4pm, carols; Horham, 4.30pm, carols.Dec 23 (Mon) Redlingfield, 6.30pm, carols.Dec 24 Athelington, 4.30pm, short vigil; Wingfield, 11.30pm, MidnightMass.Dec 25 Syleham, 8am, HC; Redlingfield, 9.30am, HC; Hoxne, 10.30am, FC.Dec 29 Horham, 11.15am, Benefice Eucharist.Jan 5 Redlingfield, 9.30am, HC; Wingfield, 10am, FS; Horham, 11.15am, FS;

Hoxne; 11.15am, HC; Syleham, 11.15am, MP.Jan 12 Horham, 9.30am, HC; Wingfield, 11am, HC; Hoxne, 11.15am, MP.Jan19, Hoxne, 8.30am, HC; Athelington, 9.30am, HC; Syleham, 10am, FS;

Wingfield, 10am, FS; Hoxne, 11.15am, FS; Horham, 11.15am, FS.Jan 26 Syleham, 9.30am, HC; Redlingfield, 10am, MP; Hoxne, 10am, FS;

Wingfield, 10am, Matins; Denham, 11,15am, FS; Horham, 11.15am, FS.Feb 2 Redlingfield, 9.30am, HC; Wingfield, 10am, FC; Horham, 11.15am, FS;

Hoxne, 11.15am, HC; Syleham, 11.15am, MP.Feb 9 Horham, 9.30am, HC; Wingfield, 11am, HC; Hoxne, 11.15am, MP.Feb 16 Hoxne, 8.30am, HC; Athelington, 9.30am, HC; Syleham, 10am, FS;

Wingfield, 10am, FS; Hoxne, 11.15am, FS; Horham, 11.15am, FS.Feb Syleham, 9.30am, HC; Redlingfield, 10am, MP; Hoxne, 10am, FS;

Wingfield, 10am, Matins; Denham, 11.15am, FS; Horham, 11.15am. FS.(HC = Holy Communion; PM = Morning Prayer; FS = Family Service; FC = Family

Communion. Please check times on notice boards.) Horham Baptist Church in Chapel Lane would like to invite everyone to the followingservices: on Sunday December 15th there is a Christmas themed family service at10.45am and the Royal British Legion Commemorative Christmas Service at 6pm (seestory) and on Christmas Eve you can start Christmas by singing carols by candlelightand then enjoying a chat and some mince pies, 6.30pm. If you would like to knowmore about services and events at Horham Baptist Church please contact PastorAdam on 388008.

POETRY & NEWS

Winter 2013-14 23

PROMISE NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN by Manday MillerSo the 11th of the 11th has gone. We have remembered them. Job done. No!

The gift of remembrance goes on for we can remember.Young men, women and children forever young.Promise of much life to live, ended.

Lives cruelly cut when so much to give, love, joy, pleasure, happiness, contentmentNever to be tasted, enjoyed. Such is loss. Every day when curtains opened lightcomes rushing in.

I never forget the gift given me of your tomorrow so my today is bathed in light andfreedom hard won.Today’s children not forced in to darkness by a society run by fear and darkness.

Good words never to be spoken, acts of kindness not done.You, who are many, I shall never thank for the freedom I have today.

I give thanks in the poppy I wear, the ones I grow in my garden!Such a small thing I do. Thank you, the words so powerful and yet so small.

Rubbish collectionUsual day Revised day

Mon Dec 23 Sat Dec 21 Tues Dec 24 Mon Dec 23 Wed Dec 25 Tues Dec 24

Thurs Dec 26 Fri Dec 27 Fri Dec 27 Sat Dec 28

Recycling collectionUsual day Revised day

Mon Dec 30 No ChangeTues Dec 31 No Change

Wed Jan 1 Thurs Jan 2 Thurs Jan 2 Fri Jan 3

Fri Jan 3 Sat Jan 4

CHRISTMAS BIN COLLECTIONS: Mid Suffolk District Council has amended theusual collection schedules over the festive period due to the Christmas and New Yearbank holidays (see below). There are no brown bin collections between December 23and January 3. Brown bin collections re-commence on Monday January 6. DuringJanuary Mid Suffolk will collect your real Christmas tree when it is left next to yourbrown bin. Please make sure all decorations, pots and stands are removed. There isalso a network of local Christmas Tree recycling points. Please checkwww.midsuffolk.gov.uk or contact Mid Suffolk for details.

WAR MEMORIALS: The Imperial War Museum’s War Memorials Archive (formerly UKNational Inventory of War Memorials) is working to compile a comprehensive recordof all war memorials in the UK. War memorials provide insight into not only thechanging face of commemoration but also military history, social history and arthistory. The IWM estimate that there are approximately 100,000 UK war memorials,and it has recorded more than 65,000 to date. You can search the online database(www.ukniwm.org.uk) to find if your local memorial is listed. The WW1 in Redlingfieldchurchyard is for example listed and we are in the process of getting the B-17memorial in Redlingfield listed. The Red Feather Club in Horham is also in theprocess of recording all their memorials. Mike Ager

24 Winter 2013-14

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We aim to produce four issues a year, coming out at the end of February, May,August and November. The next issue - Spring 2014 - is due to be published at

the end of February. The final deadline for all submissions is February 14.Athelington, Horham & Redlingfield News is printed & published by Evelyn Adey &Mike Ager for the villages of Athelington, Horham, Redlingfield and surrounds. Theeditors reserve the right to edit or refuse submissions. The views expressed in the

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Winter 2013-14 27

� Have you a problem with - � Rats, Mice, Moles, Wasps or Rabbits? � All typical Pests controlled. � For ALL your Domestic / Commercial Pest Control. � No obligation � free survey/quotes. � Please call, � 01379 788865 / 07809 226109 / 07518 731106

www.safeandsoundhygieneandpestcontrol.co.uk

DISS

PROFESSIONAL PEST WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT MOBILE: 07806 875985 HOME: 01379 852950

www.norfolkpestcontrolservices.co.uk

FULLY INSURED

FULLY QUALIFIED

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Rates for adverts in four issues distributed to approximately 300homes in Horham, Athelington,Redlingfield and surrounds are:-

1/6 page £8.50 (60mm deep,60mm across)1/3 page £16.50 (60mm deep,125mm across)1/4 page £12.50 (90mm deep,60mm across)1/2 page £25 (90mm deep, 125mm across) A whole page £50

You can supply the artwork and/orlogos or we can design the adverts foryou. Revenue goes towards the costs ofproducing the magazine and profitswill be split between Horham &Athelington Parish Council andRedlingfield Village Meeting.

TEL: 01508 532 282 Mobile: 07532 120 975 E-mail: dtyrrellwindows@gmail.com www.dtyrrellwindowsanddoors.co.uk

D TYRRELL WINDOWS & DOORS Upvc Windows and Doors:

Conservatories, & replacement glazing:

Garage door replacement & repairs;

Locks, fascia and soffits.

FENSA REGISTERED Ring for a free, no obligation quote today.

FRESH FREERANGE EGGS

Poplar Hall FarmOccold RoadRedlingfield

STALL AT GATE

For larger orders pleasecall 01379 678318

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SimplyBeautifulByAnne

Weddings, Bridesmaids,

Ball Gowns, Curtains,

Cushions, Alterations

and much more

Free Estimates GivenMagnolia House,Wilby Rd, StradbrokeTel: 01379 384097Mob: 07944 894757

IIf yyou nneed aa ttradesman, wwe ccan hhelp

* FFree EEstimates ** • Bathroom suites • Any Electrical Work • A new house or extension • Gas or Oil Boiler Service & Maintenance

Electrical Services · Boiler & Heating Maintenance · Building Maintenance & Refurbishment · General Building · Plumbing

MY Group, Fen Lane Farm, Watton Rd. Larling, Norfolk NR16 2AJTel: 01953 497177 Fax: 01953 497160 Email: info@mygroupea.co.uk Web: www.mygroupea.co.uk

MY Group is a trading name of MY Boiler Services Ltd

Servicing ● Repairs ● Tyres ● Exhausts ● Batteries ● Air-Con ● MOT Testing

Barley Green Garage

Laxfield Road, Stradbroke, IP21 5JT

Telephone 01379 388 947

www.barleygreengarage.com

After hours call Julian 07733 118100

Servicing, Repairs & MOTs❆

Welding and Diagnostics❆

Air-con servicing from £20❆

Coal, logs & kindling❆

Parking sensors & Tow-bars❆

LPG Auto-gas filling station❆

Courtesy cars available❆

Free local collection & delivery