Ebb & Flow March 2012

We are now open all day Sunday (12am to 7pm) with food being

served until 6pm.

18th of March - Mothering Sunday

2 & 3 course otions available as well as Traditional Sunday Roast

A Country Pub with Proper Food, Real Ales and Rooms

Tel: 01728 688510

12th of March @ 7.30 pm Spanish Night

(Tapas, Paella & Sangria)

27th of March @ 7.30pm Pub Quiz - raising money for Snape Priory School

Woodland class at Benhall School have been having great fun designing and making Tudor board games! As part of their Tudor topic children in Woodland class have designed board games around the Tudor theme and Henry VIII.Game titles include Trickster, Tudor Cluedo, Runaway Tudor Style, Death Queens, Tudorpoly and Tudor Bog of Death. The creators of Tudor Bog of Death had this to say. “It's very deathly, wolves can attack you. The aim is to get to the end without being beheaded or killed.”

February Brings Tudor Games and Siberian Winter

A blanket of snow covered Benhall churchas temperatures plummeted to -11.8°

News from the Upper Alde Valley

(Jason has realised he sent the wrong article last month and sends his apologies together with this correct one) It is easy to think of the soil beneath our feet as being uniform: a broad varying mass of grey-brown stuff upon which we move around and into which plants gently push their roots. In some parts of the country this is true. Dig down a spade's depth into the earth, have a close look, then walk on for a half a mile and do it again … you may find that not much has changed.

But it is not always like this. Sometimes the quality and character of the ground beneath our feet can alter dramatically within the space of a few yards. Try following a footpath across an inland river valley in East Suffolk, from high ground to high ground, and feel the earth as it alters beneath your boots: first from clay to loam and sand, and then to dark riverine deposits in the valley bottom.

If you are passing from a distance on a bike or in a car, try reading the trees. In winter they stand like cold, cluttered punctuation marks. The story they tell of the underlying soil has been confused by the arrival of vigorous self-sown sycamores and planted woodland. But if you look carefully among the crowded stems, you can often find some self-sown native species that tell you a little about the soil upon which they stand.

Here on the farm, the banks of the Upper Alde are fringed with wild alder trees. They grow in clumps, arrow-straight at first (almost like pine trees in outline) until they reach their final height. Then they begin to relax into a more oak like habit, with thick bark and gnarled, twisted limbs. The alder, like the otter, kingfisher and red deer, is one of our truly wild species: it is uncultivated and grows where it wants to – in deep, boggy alluvial soils near running water. Some trees stand with their roots in the Alde itself. Others are quite happy to stand in stagnant ox-bows and swamps. Above all, they like their roots to be wet.

Ash trees can survive seasonal flooding and will seed themselves happily on the higher, drier ground at the edge of alder carr. Oak trees like to keep their roots damp, but not wet; and certainly not too dry. They grow majestically in the hedgerows at the back of flood meadows and in the loamy soils of other river valley pastures, where their root tips can stay close to groundwater. They also grow well on heavy clay soils that form the high ground above the river valleys – the “clay uplands” of Suffolk. Here, the finely packed subsoil retains moisture even in the harshest of droughts and produces some of our finest oak trees – alongside self-sown hornbeam and hazel. All three stand as signature trees on heavy clay soils.

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News

The ground in between the clay top land and the alluvial soils of the valley bottom grades into loamy meadow land on the upper and lower slopes. In between these there is usually a belt of light, free-draining sand soil. At White House Farm this layer is about fifteen feet thick. Sweet chestnuts are very happy on this slightly acidic substrate – there is a beautiful belt of veteran trees on a large lump of sandy soil overlooking the farm house. Oaks, hazel and elder will tolerate sandy conditions, but grow slowly. And sycamore trees run through the lot – from clay tops through acid sands to loamy floodplains ! They scramble the earthy story that the other trees tell - but their wood burns quite well and makes nice bowls … and grey squirrels feast on their bark in spring time !

Jason Gathorne-Hardy

Acute Oak decline hits Blaxhall – the Death of a Giant Veteran Oak

Simon Leatherdale of The Forestry Commission had to visit St. Peter's churchyard and has confirmed that the Veteran Oak has “Acute Oak Decline as was suspected.

And his report is as follows:-

“The holes which where noticed in the tree are “D” in shape and are caused by Agrilus biguttatus which is associated with Acute Oak Decline (sap stains are not always present). Also of note is the number of crevices in the tree which makes it an ideal bat roost and a large and very active Hornet's nest about 20 feet up on the NW side of the first branch.” Due to the tree having Acute Oak Decline it has had to be reported to DEFRA and/or to the Forestry Commission. It is these departments that will tell us how to appropriately dispose of the timber.

So please note that this timber is not to be removed from the churchyard in order to avoid the spread of the infection. Even the saws used in cutting the tree are likely to transfer the infection from one area to another.

And as the tree is seen as a likely home of bats, as confirmed by having a site inspection, that are protected the tree will be felled in the correct way to protect the bats as they are a protected species under European legislation (Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994).

A very sad day when we see this great Veteran Oak disappear from the Churchyard.

Maggie Grenham.

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Cuttings from the Walled Garden: Jim Mountain

Having just had two cold winters, I felt we were due a mild one. I felt confident as we ticked off the January days and it seemed a safe prospect to get some of our potting done early, spreading the load. Small plants are kept frost protected. Once potted on they are moved to unheated glasshouses where they are more vulnerable to damage from frosty weather. There was little more that we could do than cover them with horticultural fleece as the weather forecasters grew more confident of the arrival of Siberian weather which finally arrived at the end of the month. It is surprising how this material helps keeps a few degrees of frost out of the pots. Any brightness during the day helps to lift temperatures under glass or polythene and it appears that despite the cold weather, the plants have come through it relatively unscathed. Time will tell.As January nears its end there comes the inevitable posting of a cheque to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. This unhappily coincides with a VAT payment due and failure to pay on time now results in a fine. Finally releasing the payment envelope into the letterbox is never a very joyous occasion. It seems nothing has changed. About 2000 years ago Catullus might have had the same thought when he wrote this short poem:Sad NewsMy little homestead, Furius, bows low before the gale,But not a wind from heaven is the trouble - here's the tale -It's a bill for fifteen thousand odd that makes me stand aghastWas ever such a shrivelling and pestilential blast?With much work on the nursery stopped because of the frost and snow, we seized the opportunity to get warm with some proper gardening. I always have a number of jobs lists on the go and the gardening list seemed to be somewhat ignored with just the essential work being done. Big jobs such as the removal or hard pruning of large trees and shrubs were saved for another day. Now their day had come and various plants were singled out for removal. These included: a Cotoneaster that failed to produce berries, a dull Juniper, and a large Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ which had seen better days. On the west facing border, outside the wall, many of the plants had grown bigger than their allotted space and had swamped their neighbours. The chainsaw was applied liberally to them as well. Why had I, in the past had the mad idea of growing the climber, Jasminum beesianum, on the ground? It did form a sort of mound for a while and then

streaked across the soil climbing into any available shrub. We pruned enough of its host plants away until we could get at it to dig it out where it had rooted itself into the ground. All of this was too much to go through my shredder so instead, we now have an enormous pruning heap. Roots and stumps of my evicted plants will be removed when I hire a mini digger for a day later on. That is the ultimate gardening tool.With the resumption of better weather, potting has taken off. 1200 herbs are now placed neatly on new sand beds with watering from the bottom up. This is ideal for sage and lavender. Perennials put under cover as winter protection are now being returned to their positions on the retail benches. Sunday opening has restarted. A small flock of Lesser Redpolls that arrived on 15th January are feeding busily on nyger seed. Will they disappear when we get some spring weather?

Jim Mountain

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Local History & Characters

A tale of Two Bridges

Many of you will, at some point, have crossed the road bridge at Beversham, between Blaxhall and Little Glemham, and a lot of you will also have crossed the rather inconspicuous rail bridge a couple of hundred yards away, even if you didn’t realise it.

Some 150 years ago both of these bridges were making news, for very different reasons - one was just beginning its life while the other had reached the end of its days.

The rail bridge was crossed in 1857 by a party of journalists and VIPs on a special train celebrating the recently completed line from Ipswich to Lowestoft; they were clearly most impressed and described the bridge as “the only instance in the kingdom in which screw piles have been applied to a bridge, which consists of wrought iron girders bolted together with collars. The screw part of the pile is two feet, the diameter of the screw being nine inches. The piles are screwed about 16 feet from the surface of the ground through sand into solid gravel. The bridge is of immense strength, and there is not the least vibration when a train passes over it”.

Nine years later it was a very different story for the near by road bridge. A surveyor told the county bridge committee that it was “useless to repair it” The roadway was supported by main timbers that were more or less decayed and the piles were reduced to as little as 2" square by the action of the water. He recommended that a new iron girder bridge be built in it’s place, with the width increased to 15 feet from the current 9' 10".

A tender was put out just two weeks later, in November 1866, with work being completed in March 1868 at a total cost of £188 12s 0d - around £8,700 in today’s money.

One wonders how they’ll be faring in another 150 years.

We’d love to receive more old photos, stories, history from across the benefice, so please email us if you have something we could feature.

Why Not Thursday Street?

In last month's Ebb & Flow the Editor asked why places were called Friday Street, as at Farnham, why not Monday, Tuesday or any other day ?. Well Joyce Lovett, who sets the monthly quiz and who knows the answer to questions like this has come up with the answer. In Medieval times, towns and some large villages were granted charters so that they could hold a weekly market. Usually a large rectangular place was chosen often in connection with the Church or Manor House.

At the time of the Norman Conquest there were only nine market towns in Suffolk and the nearest was Kelsale.Wheat, barley, oats and rye were the cereal crops grown with some peas and beans and these would be traded in the markets. By 1330 the number of these Charter Markets in Suffolk had increased to seventy.

In addition to these official “Charter Markets” there was a system whereby “Street Markets” could be held. These tended to be much smaller and were only allowed to occupy one side of a street. Until the Reformation the whole of England was Roman Catholic and Catholics were not allowed to eat meat on a Friday. In some villages a ”Street Market” was held on a Friday specifically for the sale of fish. These “Friday Street Markets” were usually near to religious houses such as Monasteries and Priories.

Presumably such a market took place at Farnham where the Aldeburgh road met the Saxmundham to Ipswich road. Hence our “Friday Street”. The opportunity to buy fish at Friday Street has been re-established as you can now buy fish in one of the outbuildings at the farm shop.

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Snape News

Have you any old clothes / bed linen / shoes / handbags etc?

Snape Primary School is holding another "Bags to School" fundraiser on Monday 26th March 2012.

If you have a bag of unwanted items to donate, please bring this to Snape School by the above date. Alternatively, ring the school on 01728 688373 if you need someone to collect your bag from your home.

Thank you for your continuing support.

Snape W. I.

Scotland came to Snape in grand style for a festive evening in celebration of Robert Burns, albeit a week late. The village hall was hung with bunting and Saltaires (Scottish flags) wall to wall. The tables were bedecked with tartan cloths, and most members managed to find something tartan to wear as well. It was an Open Meeting so we welcomed many family members and friends.

The evening began when the Master of Ceremonies (MC), Ron Smith, gave the Selkirk Grace, which was written on members' tablemats. Everyone was asked to stand and give a slow handclap while the piper, dressed in magnificent Highland attire, piped in the haggis; carried to the top table by the chef (President, Gay Page). The MC then recited Burns' famous poem 'To A Haggis' with great enthusiasm and appropriate gestures and cut the haggis open. The haggis was toasted with a wee dram.The piper piped the haggis back to the kitchen where the hard-working Committee served up haggis, neeps and tatties to all assembled; special thanks to Gay, Brenda, Jane Hudson, Sue Mercer, Lavinia, Liz and Joyce.

After the meal came the toasts: The Immortal Memory (Ron Smith), The Toast to the Lassies (Mike Hill) and The Lassies' Reply, which was especially delightful, by Sandra Bennett. Julyan Heazall then sang The Skye Boat Song and we all joined in on the chorus.

Following that it was the turn of the dancers, who put on a fine display of Scottish dancing and then members' took to the floor (coached by Ron Smith and the dancers). The dancing, and the evening, finished with everyone joining hands and singing Auld Lang Syne.It was a truly marvellous evening, enjoyed by all.

In March we are looking forward to hearing Melissa Billen of MBD Interiors give a lecture 'One Room in Five Easy Steps'. Using knowledge gained through 20 years of both domestic and commercial interior work, Melissa will teach us to appreciate the space within our homes from a professional viewpoint, gaining a new look without a huge financial outlay.Wardrobe appreciation is tackled next with a special night at The Store in Saxmundham, where Debs and Sarah will demonstrate new ways of looking at old clothes. For example, new buttons or a belt can revitalise an entire outfit.

March's activities will lead us into Spring, with a new look and new surroundings.

An Eccentric Look at Suffolk

With Charlie HaylockSaturday, 3 March at 7.30Snape Village HallIn aid of Snape School

Tickets £8 including refreshmentsTickets available from Snape School (01728 688373), from Snape Country Stores or by phoning 01728 687527.

Charlie Haylock is one of Suffolk's leading entertainers. His informative and hilarious one-man shows are legendary in the county. Charlie can reduce audiences to tears of laughter with his storytelling. He also has a serious side and gives informative talks about the history of the English language. He has written several bestselling books: "Sloightly On Th'Huh," "A Rum Owd Dew" and "Caw'd A Hell!"Snape Community Primary School

Wanted - Urgent!

Help is needed from Snape residents to look after the village playing field. A small committee of volunteers meets just a few times throughout the year. We need new people to share in this. Please come to the AGM AT 7.30 pm in the village hall on THURSDAY 26th APRIL or pass your name to any member of the Parish Council.

Mothering Sunday at St John's Church Snape

Mothering Sunday Treats at Snape Church at 9am!!

Mothering Sunday is on March18th and once again we are amassing lots of flowers, cellophane and ribbons for children ( and adults!! ) to come along and make up posies to give to the people they love on Mother's Day.There will be lots of tea, coffee and squash with Simnel Cake and Crumpets to sustain you all.

Please come along to St John's Church, Snape at 9am to make your posie before the 9.30 Service to celebrate Mothers, Grandmothers and Godmothers everywhere!!

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Barrie’s Letter

The Alde River Benefice

The Rectory,Stratford St Andrew,Saxmundham,IP17 1LJ01728 [email protected]

Dear Friends,

The headline in February’s Ebb & Flow read “Can Spring be far away?” over the picture of snowdrops in Little Glemham Church yard but within a few days, almost as Ebb & Flow hit the doormats, we were in for a week or more of snow and very low temperatures. But if we are honest with ourselves in the case of the weather we should have learnt by now to expect the unexpected. This also holds true for life in general despite the folklore wisdom of “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch” many of us do build up all sorts of hopes.

How much should we live for now and how much for the future ? Some people have jobs that do not pay very well but which they enjoy despite their knowing that they will never be able to retire in luxury. Many people endure jobs that they don’t really enjoy, but which pay well, in the hope that they will be able to retire early and have time to do the things that they really enjoy. The first group have “happiness” now the second have hopes of greater “Happiness “ but in the future. When the future is denied them because of ill health, unforeseen circumstances and even death do they have regrets?

A criticism sometimes levelled at active Christians who try to lead a life that accords with their understanding of Jesus’ teaching, but at the price of some self sacrifice now, is that they are just making this sacrifice in the hope of “Pie in the sky when they die”. The whole of March falls within the season of Lent which is a traditional season of abstinence and self denial but is there any point to this – why did God give us chocolate if he didn’t want us to enjoy it ? It is hard to deny that the giving up of chocolate does smack of tokenism so is there something more appropriate. In “The Archers” the population of Ambridge are being encouraged to give up gossip that does have the benefit of one persons denial being of benefit to another . Sometimes it would be good to give up something which benefited us. One such thing would be anxiety. Anxiety can rob us of the very joy of life itself. Jesus preaches that anxiety is very unproductive “which of you by being anxious can add one hour to their span of life?” Jesus continues with anxiety about what we should wear and he points to the beauty of flowers which are here today and gone tomorrow . In Jesus’ teaching it is anxiety that distracts us from what is essential and prevents us from living our lives in the confidence of God’s love.

So have a peaceful Lent having given up anxiety !

Barrie

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News

Snape Carol Singing 2011

(Sorry - this was missed last month)

The carol singing around Snape over four nights running up to Christmas was a great success. The weather was milder than previous years but even the threat of rain, which we did get on the first night, didn’t dampen the enthusiasm. We had a good attendance every night, and the collection amounted to an excellent £730! This is a record surpassing the previous best by £100.

Well done to all of you who came and supported us, and thank you to the residents of Snape who not only gave so generously, but gave us sustenance en route!

£365 has been given to the Teenage Cancer Trust, East Anglia, towards a specialist unit at Addenbrookes Hospital. £125 has been given to the snooker hall, a venue used by various village groups, towards a new boiler.

J&S PRIVATE HOMECARERS

HERE TO HELP

ALL LOCAL AREASREFERENCESPHONE:JASON 07770 725872SANDRA 07880 685838

Gas and Oil (Corgi Registered)Servicing Commision

BreakdownsLandlords’ Safety Certificates

Willie FreeBoiler Maintenance

71, Haylings Road, Leiston, IP16 4DS01728 830683 [email protected]

Teas at The Walled Garden

Tea and cake will be served in the garden from 1.30 - 4.30 p.m on the following Sundays:22nd April13th May10th June8th July5th August2nd September.Everyone welcome. All funds raised for St Mary's Church, Benhall.If you would like to help or donate a cake please ring June Sampson 01728 602320

Butley Ferry Opening Again

Come and support the Butley Ferry in the 2012 season. First day is on Easter Saturday 7th April and continues on Saturdays and Sundays and Bank Holidays until the last Sunday in September, 11 am to 4 pm, Prices stay the same as last year, Adults £2, Children and bicycles £1.50. This is a rowing boat ferry crossing from the Gedgrave bank to the Stratford St Andrew bank, operated entirely by volunteers and sponsored by the Alde & Ore Association.

£120 goes to the school PSA, and £120 to the Brownies to go towards an activities day.

Thank you once again to all who came and supported us and, of course, to those who contributed to these worthwhile causes.

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News

If you are willing to help us by sponsoring or organising an event such as a coffee morning, a bric-a-brac sale or any other event then please let us know. We have a large amount to raise, but if we all work together we can achieve our goal and continue to provide a thriving village pre-school for local children and families to use for many more years to come. Please contact Joanne Day at Benhall Pre School on 01728 605 940 if you are able to help us in any way. Our address is Benhall Pre-School, School Lane, Benhall, Saxmundham, IP17 1HE.

See the back page for photos.

Benhall Pre School

Benhall Pre-School has served local families for 30 years by providing Early Years education for children aged from 2 to 5 years old. We offer learning opportunities through play and the children have access to paint, playdough, a wide variety of toys, indoor and outdoor play equipment as well as books and puzzles. Other activities include stories, songs, dance, letters, sounds and counting games. Our Pre-School was reported by Ofsted as having 'outstanding' parent partnership and a friendly and welcoming environment. The staff are Joanne Day, Jo Eyre, Jacqui Miller, Jenny Driver and Gail Eustace. All are highly trained with experience of working with young children. Jenny was a pupil at the Pre School and has now returned as a teacher! Many of our pupils continue their education at Benhall Primary school. We are based in a portakabin at School Lane, Benhall, within a short walking distance from Benhall Primary School. We need to replace our 30 year old, second-hand portakabin with a new modular building that will be more environmentally friendly and will provide a modern learning environment for the children. The cost of this will be £65,000 and we are asking for whatever help we can get towards raising this amount! Any donations to our fund will be gratefully received.We are planning a number of events to help us reach our target and are keen to speak to anyone willing to help us with these. Ideas we have had so far include encouraging people to sponsor a window or any part of the new building, a jumble sale and a charity run. if anyone has any other fundraising ideas we can try then please get in touch!

Part-time nursery staff required for

spring and summer season.

Approx 24 hours per week including some weekend working.

Pay according to experience.

Apply to Jim Mountain

The Walled Garden, Park Rd, Benhall,

01728 602510

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News

Clive Welton & Partners LtdNew Building, Restoration, Maintenance and Associated Services

Lincoln House, Low Road, Kelsale, Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 2NU

East of England Federation of Master Builders Award Winner 2010Telephone: 01728 602541: (Day, Evenings and Weekends) Alternative Contacts: Steven Welton 07867 970365

Mark Salter 07969 758101Member of the Federation of Master Builders

Fourth Little Glemham Burns Night

Thirty people celebrated Burns' Night in Little Glemham Parish Room on 21st January. The haggis was piped in by Little Glemham's resident piper, David Gillingwater, and addressed by Stephen Bayfield, before being served with neeps and tatties followed by a dessert of apple strudel. Our thanks to Anna Shand and Barbara Bayfield for preparing this delicious meal. The evening was completed by a session of country dancing, with Sharon Wright as the caller. The event was organised by Little Glemham Parish Room Committee, who are also hoping to hold one of their popular Quiz Nights in April."

Some splendid Scottish regalia in Little Glemham

www.garrickflooring.co.uk

Unit 1 The Street, Farnham, Suffolk, IP17 1JZ Tel. 01728 603434 mob 07711429226 Email [email protected]

GARRICK FLOORING CENTRE LTD

carpets, vinyls and contract flooring

New To Our Showroom this year!!

Crucial Trading Stand, Sisal, sea grass,

beautiful selection of carpets, and rugs.

We are now selling Memory Foam Mattresses

Next Day Delivery

Great Prices

Domestic & Contract, Carpets & Vinyl’s

Solid Wood, Karndean Show Floor,

Create your own floor on our design table

Free Quotes, Large Car park,

Evening Appointments,

Call Nigel Or Lauren

New Pharmacy at Rendlesham

A new pharmacy is now open in the same building as the Doctors Surgery at Rendlesham. The pharmacy will be open from 8.30 in the morning till 5.30 in the evening, shut for an hour at lunch time and will stay open later when the Doctors Surgery is open.

News

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Making the Most of Our Local Seasonal Produce - March

As we fast approach what has traditionally been called the hungry gap, it’s a good time to think about how we can enjoy and make the most out of the local, seasonal produce that is now available.

During March and the on-coming months it seems fitting to acknowledge that less can so often mean more. In today’s age of mass consumerism it’s no wonder that the burden of excessive choice can seem almost overwhelming. The hungry gap, so called due to the lack of fresh local produce during this period, is a time to be clever, creative and inventive with food. It’s the season to be adventurous with the limited produce that is readily available while we eagerly wait for a time of abundance again.

Buying local, seasonal produce makes good sense for many reasons. The first, and arguably most important, is that buying things in season means we get the nutrition that we need naturally. Locally grown, seasonal vegetables are fresh, delicious and packed full of flavour and vital vitamins. Food that has ripened on the plant will contain more nutrients and will invariably have a better flavour than food that has been force grown, harvested too early and ripened artificially. You only have to compare a winter bought supermarket tomato to a home-grown summer one to appreciate the difference. Seeds that have germinated in the soil during the correct season are naturally stronger and more resistant to disease meaning the fruit and vegetables are usually of a much better quality. Fruit and vegetables start to lose flavour and nutrients as soon as they are picked so the shorter the time from field to kitchen, the better. Supporting local suppliers is also good for the community and can help to keep our carbon footprint low.

So what should we be enjoying this month? The pick of the crop for March includes; cauliflower, purple sprouting broccoli, leeks, swede, wild nettles, wild garlic and three types of commonly available main crop potatoes namely; Stemster, Desire and Saxon. Here are a few ways to add some variety and fun to the best of our local produce this month:

Cauliflowers are simply delicious right now and if you think it a bit boring, try one of the following recipes to liven it up.

Blanche it with haste (30 seconds approximately in boiling water), then serve as a warm salad tossed in crispy bacon, Purely Pesto Sundried Tomato sauce and copious amounts of freshly ground black pepper.

Alternatively, as the ultimate winter warmer create a modern twist to the traditional cauliflower cheese by adding a Suffolk Smokehouse & Deli Smoked Vintage Cheddar and a couple of handfuls of roughly chopped Lane Farm ham. This dish is a meal in itself and is best served

straight out of the oven or range with grated cheese lightly browned and toasted on top.

Cauliflower is also delicious when served in curry (the ones with less creamy sauces are best). Simply break off a handful of bite-sized florets, gently blanche and add to the sauce with few small chunks of boiled potato to create an aloo-gobi touch to this spicy dish.

Try stir-frying your tender stems of purple sprouting broccoli with a dash of soya sauce and a few sesame seeds. Or again, for a more indulgent meal, serve the stems al dente with a delicate homemade Suffolk cheese sauce.Leeks are often best after a cold snap and are simply delicious at this time of year when they are pale and sweet. Thinly slice them and add them to most dishes or casseroles as a substitute for onions. Their light and delicate flavour adds a subtle change to most onion based dishes. Alternatively fry them gently in rapeseed oil, add a splash of white wine, butter, garlic and chopped tarragon and they will complement chicken and fish suppers beautifully. Finally, lightly roast in butter or simply steam them, there are many ways to enjoy this very versatile vegetable.

Bold flavoured swede can be easier to prepare if it is left out of the fridge for a few days before use. Once peeled and diced many would agree that it is best served boiled and mashed with a generous knob of butter. Add a few Saxon potatoes (letting the swede boil for approximately 10 minutes before adding), for a sweet tasting, flavoursome mash. Swede is also a wonderful and hearty addition to soup. Add small chunks to a pan laden with seasonal vegetables, puree and serve with freshly baked bread rolls and a drizzle of olive oil for a quick and satisfying lunch.

Main crop potatoes are Stemster, Saxon and Desire. Stemster are delicious baked and roasted, Saxon make fantastic fluffy mash and Desire are a good all-rounder and make an interesting baker. Don’t let the red skin put you off baking these delicious spuds as they darken to a pale brown when baked and the sweet flavour is well worth trying.

If you’re feeling adventurous it’s a good time to take to the hedgerow. Gone are the days when foraging in the fields was frowned upon. If you take advantage of what nature provides you can find truly scrumptious delights to add to your table and surely there is nothing more satisfying than finding and gathering your own food.

Garlic chives and young nettles are the best of the wild bunch during March. Look for long strap like green leaves usually on woodland floors. If it’s nearby you should be able to identify the fragrance. The flavour is more garlic than chive and packs quite a punch. Add these sparingly to salads, throw them into soup, stuff a roast chicken with then or substitute for basil to make an interesting and full-flavoured pesto sauce.

News

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Benhall Daffodil Show - 17th March 2012

The 22nd Annual Daffodil Show will be held at Benhall‚ Club from 11.a.m.to 2 p.m.

Benhall Club will be open on the morning of Saturday from 8.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. FOR ENTRIES FOR THE DAFFODIL SHOW

PLEASE CHECK THE RULES!The classes are as follows:-

CLASS: DAFFODILS OR NARCISSI

1. Any three daffodils in a vase. 2. Any three white daffodils in a vase. 3. Any three miniature daffodils in a vase4. Five miniature daffodils with foliage in a vase5. One flower - Trumpet more prominent than petals6. One flower - Trumpet less prominent than petals7. Any three daffodils with three stems of foliage in a vase8. One stem: multi-flowered

ARRANGEMENTS OPEN TO ALL FLOWER ARRANGERS

9. A Mothering Sunday Gift of spring flowers and foliage, any container will be suitable

- since it is a gift it should be transportable10. A miniature Spring Flower arrangement of less than 4” x 4” x 4”11. An arrangement in green and white to celebrate St. Patrick's Day12. A flowering branch of tree or shrub less than 2 feet high or wide13. A pot plant owned for more than 2 months by exhibitor—Maximum pot size 6 inches14. A pot of spring bulbs grown by exhibitor. Maximum pot size 8 inches

Entries in classes 1 –8 judged for quality of bloom. Should be home grown. Where foliage is required please use greenery not daffodil leaves.

CHILDRENS COMPETITION FREE!!

CHILDREN'S COLOURING COMPETITION - collect from Benhall School

Ages 6 and under7 and over

CHILDREN'S FLOWER ARRANGEMENT COMPETITION –Flowers and greenery in a glass jarPARTICIPANTS AND VISITORS ARE MOST WELCOME.

Stalls and other attractions will include freshly-baked cakes and produce, bric-a-brac, raffle, MS stall and home cooked lunches. Hot Lunches will be served from 11.30 a.m. and include chunky homemade soup, served with a roll and baked potatoes with a variety of fillings. Hot and cold desserts.

Entry forms can be obtained from the Railway Farm Shop at Benhall, Mrs. Carolyn Glennon, 61 Low Street, Benhall‚ (Tel: 01728 603376) or Mrs. Kate Groom (603227)

Donations of cakes, produce, bric-a-brac, draw prizes for the stalls would be most welcome.

Seasonal, local produce is available from the following places:

Snape Farmers Market, Snape Maltings, Near Aldeburgh, Suffolk, IP17 1SR01728 688 [email protected]://www.snapemaltings.co.uk/eat/farmers-market/

The Farmer’s Market is the first Saturday of each month from 9.30am. Every market has a draw for a hamper with a product from every producer on the day (over 25 producers). Simply spend £5 on any stall and you can automatically enter. The winner is drawn at the end of the market at 1pm.

Friday Street Farm Shop, Farnham, Saxmundham,IP17 1JXTel: 01728 602783Email: [email protected]://www.fridaystfarm.co.uk

Opening times:Monday – Thursday 9am – 5.30pmFriday 9am – 6pmSaturday – Sunday 9am – 5pm

Railway Farm Shop, Main Road (B1121), Benhall Green, SuffolkTel: 01728 605793Email: [email protected]://www.4fusion.co.uk/railwayfarmshop/index.htm

Opening times:Monday-Saturday 8.30am – 5.30pmSunday 9am – 2pm

News

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Quiz Night at The Riverside

Wednesday 7th March at 7 30pm

At the Riverside Centre, Farnham.

In aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust, East Anglia.

Tables of 6 maximum, £5.00 a head.Light refreshments. Bar available.

Contact Chris/Maggie Scott 01728 689110 to book.

Farnham & Stratford St Andrew Sausage and Mash Quiz

Farnham and Stratford St Andrew invite everyone to a special Quiz Night combined with a Sausage and Mash Supper to be held in the Riverside Centre on Friday 16th March at 7.30 pm. To book in your team (and to help with the catering) please telephone Judith Norman on 01728 602851

Great Glemham Village Hall Cinema

Last month several of the audience entered into the spirit of Eighteenth Century Venice with some stylish costumes and a wonderful array of carnival masks specially created by Shirleen. The film was of course Casanova – a delightful, if far-fetched account of the adventures of the famous Italian nobleman.

Our next film is on Friday 9th March and will be quite different.

Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis (12A)

which loosely translates as “Welcome to the Sticks”, is a French comedy (with subtitles). It is the most successful French film in France.

The North/South divide is alive and well in this good-natured culture clash comedy. Philippe is a post office manager who gets caught out when he tries to cheat his way into securing a transfer to the Cote d’Azur to please his wife. He is given the worst punishment in the post office's power - a transfer to the bleak and unwelcoming north of France. What he finds there is not entirely what he expected....

This is a really funny film – why not give it a go.

As usual the doors will open at 7.15 and the programme will begin at 7.45pm

Women’s Fellowship at Benhall Club

The meeting on 7th February at Benhall Club was cancelled.

The meeting on 6th March at 7.30 p.m is a presentation by David Boulton entitled “Images of Suffolk”, Please bring along your subscriptions for the year and any ideas you may have for our charity for 2012..

LEIGH LANGUAGES 2012

Principal: Mrs H.E. Leigh M.A, Cert. Ed.

NEW CLASSES FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS

in FRENCH & SPANISH commencing APRIL 2012

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Mobile: 07968 796072

Telephone/fax: 0208 5043652

News

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The Ship InnBlaxhall

Good Accommodation & 'Country

cooking' every day

Real ales with famous home-made

Pies, and Puddings

A rare survivor of its type the Ship

offers good value, a friendly social

scene, a busy program of live music

and 8 en-suite guest rooms

For Accommodation and more info

see: or

call 01728 688316

www.blaxhallshipinn.co.uk

Great Glemham Village Hall

Monday 4th June

Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee will be celebrated in Great Glemham with festivities including a live, big screen relay of the Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace

Further details to follow in due course.

If you can’t be at the Palace, the Village Hall is the place to be! Everyone welcome.

Blaxhall Open Gardens

This year, Blaxhall Open Gardens will be held on Sunday 17th June, between 11-5pm.

It has been 5 years since Blaxhall last had its gardens open to the public. This year we are hoping to raise money not only for St. Peter’s Church at Blaxhall, but also share this with our catchment primary school at Snape, there they are needing new furniture for their library, so the children can have somewhere comfortable to sit and read.

As well as having gardens open, we will be doing teas in the village hall - with delicious homemade cakes, and we also hope to have plant and local produce stalls, in and around the village hall too!

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING INVOLVED?

If anyone is willing to open their gardens, have a plant or produce stall, or even just bake a fantastic cake for us to sell, or happy to help in any other way, it would be great to hear from you! Susie Hammond - Tel 01728688093 or Email- [email protected] or Nigella Youngs Dunnett - 01728688660

Musical Month at The Ship

Sun 4th Buckshee 2.30pm Our regular 1st Sunday afternoon of the month extravaganza!Fri 9th Irish Folk 8.30pm Traditional Irish Folk musicWeds 14th Shipshape 8.30 pm The singers, musicians and company of The Blaxhall Ship. Visiting singers & players always welcome.Fri 16th Mark Anthony 9 pm Music ranging from Motown and soul, to reggae. Mark is a gifted percussionist which he incorporates in his performances giving him his unique style.Weds 28th Shipshape 8.30 pm The singers, musicians and company of The Blaxhall Ship. Visiting singers & players always welcome.Fri 30th Cobblestones 9pm Live band with music of the 50s, 60s and 70s.

Great Glemham Village Hall

Easter Coffee Morning

Saturday 31st March at 10.30am

Ø Refreshments including hot cross buns

Ø Plants, produce & cakes, crafts & gifts

Ø Children’s bran tub and Easter egg hunt

Ø Raffles for an Easter teddy, eggs and a traditional Simnel cake

Everyone welcome

Www.ebbnflow.org.uk is Back!

The Ebb & Flow website www.ebbnflow.org.uk is back, with a new look and new functionality. All the 2012 copies of the magazine and the service sheets will be available online at www.ebbnflow.org.uk. We will be re-archiving and uploading the 2011 copies later in the year. Each edition is available to read in situ with realistic page turns, or to download. We are grateful to the team at Fearless Digital in Framlingham for their voluntary work getting the site back up and running. Any questions or queries r e g a r d i n g t h e s i t e , p l e a s e e m a i l [email protected]

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News

Join in the buzz March movie mayhem includes: Carnage (15) Oscar winner Roman Polanski's riotous black comedy is all about bad manners and miscommunication. Centring on two sets of parents attempting to resolve their sons' fight, this is fearsomely funny, ferociouslyacted stuff from a director on top of his game. And: L'Atalante (PG) Funny, heart-rending, erotic, suspenseful, exhilaratingly inventive... Jean Vigo's only full-length feature satisfies on so many levels, it's no surprise it's widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. And Children's Easter holiday matinees include A Monster In Paris (U)

www.aldeburghcinema.co.uk or call 01728 452996

Rewarding Jumble Sale

A Jumble Sale was held at the Riverside Centre on Saturday 25th February in aid of Benhall Pre-School and it raised £570.74. Lots of people contributed clothes, bric-a-brac, children’s items, cakes and raffle prizes and it was well attended. The Pre-School is raising money to replace its ageing portacabin and has a target of £50,000. Babs Maycock would like to thank all those who contributed, helped and attended the Jumble Sale and made it such a successful and enjoyable event.

Alde Valley Lunch Club

We had a very successful and colourful Valentines Luncheon which many of our members were able to attend.

For our next lunch on Tuesday 13th March, we shall be serving Roast Pork with all the trimmings followed by Meringues with fruit and cream. As mentioned we shall be holding our Summer Party on Tuesday 12th June, and this will be Jubilee themed.

Our contact number is Brigid on 01728 602030, for any queries you may have.

Some March Events for Wildlife Lovers

11th - Birdwatching Basics - Suffolk Wildlife Trust Adult Wildlearning course at Foxburrow Farm with Carl Powell. 10am - 3pm. £20/£17 concessions. Bookings 01473 890089 or www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org.

14th - Suffolk Broads - illustrated talk by Matt Gooch for Suffolk Wildlife Trust. £2. United Church Hall, Leiston 7.30pm.

Adult Maypole Dancing Group

Would you like to learn to dance round the Maypole? I have taught children for many years, but would now like to get an adult group together. It is easy to learn, fun and good exercise. Please contact Jill Pascoe on 01728 663699 for more details. 12 people are needed for a basic team, but if we had 24 there are even more dances we can learn. I look forward to hearing from you soon.”

Wickham Market Medical Centre Alterations

Wickham Market Medical Centre have informed us that they will soon be starting alterations to the Reception area. It is hoped that this will not cause too much disruption to patients while the changes take place but they ask that everyone please be patient with them during this time.

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News

RMS Titanic Sails into Aldeburgh

On the 10th April 1912 the White Star liner RMS Titanic set sail for New york on her maiden voyage. Four days later she struck an iceberg in the north Atlantic and sank three hours later with the loss of 1500 lives.A second class passenger, Lawrence Beesley, was one of 700 survivors and on arriving in New York aboard the SS Carpathia, was persuaded to write his personal account of the fateful voyage.

His grandson, David Quilter, an actor living in Snape, is to portray his grandfather in a rehearsed reading of passages from the book, "The Loss of the SS Titanic", at Aldeburgh Lifeboat Station on the 14th April at 7pm.Further information is available from the Aldeburgh Lifeboat on 01728 452552 or visit David's websitewww.actor-davidquilter.co.uk

Fair Trade Fortnight

Alesha Gooderham of Snape Maltings has recently told us about an upcoming Fair Trade event : "At Snape Maltings we do care about the provenance of our goods and believe it is important to support Fair Trade products. There is often a misconception that Fair Trade is a premium product because they have been lovingly and fairly made. This is not the case and an example of this is the silk bead necklaces and bracelets in Samphire Clothes and Accessories which are priced from £6.50. We have lovely colourful crochet corsages (£6) that suit women and girls of all ages and these are hand crocheted by a women's group in India. We also have a new range of light cottons for the summer from Nila Rubia, who personally visits the family artisans who make her clothing (prices start at £40 for a handblocked tunic). In House & Garden, where we mark products which are British Made we also have other products such as ceramic mugs and we have just sourced a new supplier who is solely deals with fair trade and so we are working this more and more into our collections."

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News

Lucy Sampson at the Spa Pavillion, Felixstowe

Local singer songwriter from Benhall, Lucy Sampson and her bass player Ian Bearcoft appeared at the Spa Pavilion on Friday 27th January at a concert in aid of EACH (the East Anglia Children's Hospice). The whole evening was organised by Felixstowe Radio. Martin Sawyer a representative from Felixstowe Radio was the MC for the evening who is a great fan of Lucy's music had invited her to appear at the event with Matt Cardle the 2010 X Factor winner and several other local acts. The evening was a great success and Lucy captivated the audience singing five or six of the many songs she has composed in twenty minute allocation during the first half of the concert.

The Royal British Legion (RBL) – Snape and Farnham Branch.

February Meeting.Due to the very cold weather the attendance was lower than usual. However, those who braved the elements enjoyed a very interesting and lively meeting including discussions on RBL funding/future Branch donations and the format of our monthly meetings. These important issues will again be covered at our next meeting.

NOTE FOR YOUR DIARY:

Our Annual Fish & Chips Evening Riverside Centre, Stratford St Andrew

th Saturday 9 June 2012

Entertainment by a George Formby Impersonator and Comedian Peter Holloway

Full details nearer the time

Today's Royal British Legion – Legion Help:-

8,500: The number of Legion Beneficiaries who received support in a 3 month period. 475: Individuals helped to claim compensation or a war pension in past 3 months.5,200: Average no. of home jobs by RBL Poppy Calls “handy men” over 3 month period.

thOur next meeting is at 7.30pm on Monday 5 March 2012 at The Benhall Club. For more details please contact David Mincher (Chairman) on 01728 747066 or Alan Edwards (Secretary) on 01728 688502. ** ANYBODY can join, not just ex-Members of The Forces **

Snape Maltings Farmers Market

Saturday 3rd March

Enjoy the new flavours of Spring this Saturday.

Look out for the special offers and savour the tastings from producers. Open from 9.30 am to 1pm.

Snape Maltings, Snape IP17 1sR

www.snapemaltings.co.uk

Coming Soon in Great Glemham

Saturday 31st March, Great Glemham Village Hall Easter Coffee Morning 10.30 am

Saturday 26th May, Great Glemham Six Charities Fete

Saturday 7th April

January rainfall (mm) in Great Glemham

1st 3rd 4th 5th

4 9 4 2

Funerals

The funeral of Sheila Doreen Smith Wheeler, aged 82, took place at All Saints Church Great Glemham on 3rd February, 2012 followed by burial in the churchyard.

January rainfall (mm) in Great Glemham

21st 24th 26th 29th

1.5 2 1

From the Registers

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18th 19th 20th

7

Total: 43.5mm

31st

2 4 6

1

Contact Us

If you wish to contact the Ebb and Flow team with contributions, questions, letters, advertising enquries, etc please email [email protected]. Please remember we are a small team of volunteers so may not get back to you immediately, but will try to do so within a few days.

Blaxhall Highs and Lows in January

Highest 12.5° C 5th

Lowest -4.4° C 14th

Windiest 45mph 5th

Rainfall 33.4mm

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The Puzzle Page

March Crossword Across1. Extremely cold (5)4. Out of fashion (5)8. Communication channel (7)9. Crowd scene actor (5)10. Part of a church (5)11. Unlawful (7)12. Natural abilities or qualities (6)14. Conundrum (6)18. Malleable (7)20. Irritated (5)22. Spear (5)23. Acute (7)24. Stringed instrument (5)25. Overheads (5)

Down1. Chivalrous (7)2. Guides (5)3. Distinguish (7)4. Writing implement (6)5. Carapace (5)6. Lured (7)7. Intended (5)13. Curt (7)15. Ludicrous (7)16. Interminable (7)17. Sheep known for its high quality fleece (6)18. Greek letter (5)19. Paragon (5)21. Male monarchs (5)

Febr

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sol

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ns

March Sudoku

EBB and FLOW -

February Quiz

Phobias

Can you identify what these phobias are a fear of?

1. Zoophobia ……………2. Entomophobia ……………3. Ornithophobia ……………4. Haemophobia…………5. Taphophobia ……………6. Claustrophobia ……………7. Cynophobia ……………8. Pyrophobia ……………9. Ichthyophobia ……………10. Xenophobia ……………11. Phasmophobia ……………12. Astrapophobia ……………13. Musophobia ……………14. Agoraphobia ……………15. Toxicophobia ……………16. Hypnophobia ……………17. Ophidiophobia ……………18. Arachnaphobia ……………19. Triskaidekaphobia ……………20. Hydrophobia ……………

The February Quiz asked the study of what subjects are these the correct titles ?

1. Ecology The relationship of organisms to their surroundings 2. Zoology The natural history of animals3. Ornithology The branch of zoology that concerns the study of birds.4. Oology The branch of ornithology studying bird eggs, nests and breeding behavior5. Speleology The scientific study of caves6. Cytology The study of cells 7. Cryptology The study of techniques for secure communication8. Ichthyology The branch of zoology devoted to the study of fish.9. Seismology The scientific study of earthquakes10. Palaeontology The study of prehistoric life particularly fossils11. Mycology The branch of biology concerned with the study of fungi12. Graphology The study and analysis of handwriting13. Limnology The study of inland waters14. Cosmology The study of the nature of the Universe as a whole15. Ethology The scientific study of animal behavior,16 Toxicology The study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms17. Petrology The branch of geology that studies rocks18. Phrenology The study of measurements of the human skull19. Dendrochronology The study of the analysis of patterns of tree-ring to give dating20. Etymology The study of the history of words

Answers to January Quiz

Letters & Quiz

Advertising in Ebb and FlowThank you to all our supportiveadvertisers! Ebb and Flowis run and produced by a small team and delivered by anunsung group of heroes to every house in the benefice –that’s 1450 copies! To take advantage of such fantasticunrivalled reach of households in the EIGHT villageswithin the benefice: Snape. Sternfield, Stratford StAndrew, Farnham, Great Glemham, Little Glemham,Benhall & Blaxhall email [email protected] rates as follows:4.9cm x8.65cm £15 per insertionper month4.9cm x 17.9cm £25 per insertion per month9.8cm x 8.65cm £30 per insertion per month13.3cm x 17.9cm £90 per insertionper monthFront page solus strip colour: £80 per insertion per month

Dear editor

I would like to thank all the motorists who have been understanding and given me plenty of room while I have been forced to runon the roads during this spell of bad weather, the paths and tracks have been too icy and lethal to run on safely.It is such a pleasure to be able to run outside rather than doing miles of boring treadmill runs.Good luck to all fellow runners in training for marathons and other events.Hopefully the finer weather is on its way and with the mornings and evenings becoming lighter giving us a wider window to train in.Kind Regards

Marion Walker

All New Breakfast Menu for 2012

Served 9am - 11:15am Daily

Receive 1 FREE cup of standard tea/coffee

with every Full English Breakfast purchased

when you present this token.

Full English Breakfast - £5.95 (Small - £3.95) Photocopies not accepted.

Friday Street

Fry-Up!

Friday Street Farm Café, Farnham, Suffolk IP17 1JX

01728 602783

CUT OUT

Valid until April 2012

Playgroup assistant Jenny Driver points to some of the deteriorating outside of the 30 + year old Portakabin.

Joanne Day with some of the children of the Benhall Playgroup enjoying themselves

On Saturday 18th February 2012 Ena Plant celebrated her 80th birthday with a party in Blaxhall Village Hall.

Footsteps in the snow lead the way to Benhall Church

Ebb & Flow March 2012

Documents

Transcript of Ebb & Flow March 2012