Are you an aspiring journalist? Do you have what it takes to write our front page? If you're under eighteen and live in the area, we want to hear from you!

For the start of the brand new year, we're launching our young journalism award by dedicating the front page of our February edition to your story. All you need to do is come up with an eye catching and interesting idea that you think will interest our readers and then write it down in no more than 200 words. Don't forget to include a short, snappy headline. Now take or draw a picture to accompany your article and send them both to us by the closing date of January 20, 2013.

The best article will appear here and we'll also include a selection of runners up on our web site. Send your entries by email to editor@townherald.co.uk or to Editor, Town Herald, c/o H G Crisp, 27 High Street, Saxmundham, IP17 1AF. Good Luck!

TAXI01728 602009

HART CARS: Local & long distanceYour own story could hit the front page next month.

www.townherald.co.uk Issue 6: January 2013

Could you write this page?

Church Street, Saxmundham

One free tea or coffee to drink in or take away with a myWaitrose card!

TownHerald

2 2

New Year, New Format

Having reached its sixth issue since the closure of the Town Telegraph, the Town Herald has had a minor makeover. Now in A5 size, it should fit in most pockets and will easily slip inside a handbag.

Editor Joe Cassels said: “Unlike the first time we tried an A5 layout, when the text proved unreadable for many readers, the new layout retains the same point size font in most cases and some careful design work means that practically all the content of the larger layout remains. Our only major loss was the Sudoku puzzle!

“The redesign is for the boring reason of cost. We print locally and keep overheads down thanks to the support of HG Crisp and the various volunteers who help produce the paper. However paper itself is becoming our largest expense. By reducing the sheet size, we cut down our environmental impact and ensure that we stay viable.”

It's unusual for the Town Herald to include any form of editorial comment, but we do hope readers adapt to the new design and we'd love to wish you all a happy new year.

Diamond Jubilee Garden

Mrs Gwen Saunders, President of Westleton Women’s Institute, inaugurated a new Diamond Jubilee Garden at Westleton Village Hall on December 14, as part of Westleton’s popular Friday morning Coffee Pot.

Gwen said that, although it seemed a long time since the Jubilee celebrations, she was very pleased that the WI was able to end 2012 with this final local tribute to Her Majesty and, at the same time, improve an untidy corner of the hall. The nearby war memorial garden has been refurbished recently and this further community effort at the hall enhances the appearance of the centre of this attractive village. She hoped people would be able to enjoy this new garden for many years.

Gwen thanked Brian Boulanger for taking the lead and organising the work. Brian, Antony Clough, Alex Alexander and John Robinson did the heavy lifting whilst Brian and Judy did the planting.

The trustees of Westleton Village Hall are undertaking a renovation programme for the hall and Gwen said that the WI was very pleased to be able to contribute towards the improvement of a valued community asset.

The Next Step between education and employment

Alde Valley School and Heritage Coast Market Towns Initiative (HCMTI) took 'The Next Step' between education and employment on Wednesday November 28 with a careers fair at Alde Valley School.

The event was organised by Jill Douglass, employer engagement co-ordinator at the school. She arranged a full day of activities for students which included workshops on apprenticeships, higher education and further education. A Question Time event, organised by Helen Scott-Davies from the Suffolk Education Business Partnership, gave sixth form students the opportunity to quiz a prestigious panel of professionals from both public and private sector organisations with a wealth of experience.

Feedback from the event was excellent with students appreciating the effort made by the school and local businesses from Leiston and Aldeburgh with comments like: “Some worries on employment and qualifications sorted” and “Talking to the employers about what I want to do and getting advice and information was the part I enjoyed the most”. The companies involved also reaped the benefits. Ciara from Aldeburgh Music said: “Really great event for the students and a nice chance to network with other local companies” and Lydia, from Suffolk Coastal District Council, wrote: “Seemed to be very well supported. Had some very interested and polite children speak to us”.

Business News

3

Alde Valley School Students listening to local business leaders at the careers fair

NEWSPAPERSMAGAZINES

PUZZLE BOOKSCOMICS

A Reliable Home Delivery ServiceEvery Day of the Week

Stationery Printing, personal & business.

PhotocopyingAvailable from

H G Crisp27 High Street SaxmundhamE Mail shop@hgcrisp.co.uk

www.hgcrisp.co.uk01728-602026

4

Rudolph found in time for Christmas

Rudolph was found and Christmas saved thanks to the award winning treasure hunt run by the Heritage Coast Market Towns Initiative.

The fabulous first prize of £500 vouchers, donated by East of England Co-operative, was won by Terry Gayler from Leiston. Terry has recently moved to Suffolk from Sussex with her family, including four grandchildren and said: “This prize will go towards a brilliant Christmas for the whole family”. Andrew Dawes – Retail Liaison Controller, East of England Co-operative Society added: “We are pleased to hear that Rudolph has been found safe and well, ready to help Santa deliver presents this Christmas. Where’s Rudolph is a fantastic campaign and we are delighted to be supporting the Heritage Coast Market Towns Initiative. It is a brilliant way to get local people to support their local independent stores.”

Further generous prizes worth £100 each were given by Munchies in Aldeburgh; Platt's Greengrocers and Nichol's Butchers in Leiston; Tesco in

Saxmundham and The Crown Hotel in Framlingham. Sarah Algat who won the Bumper Munchies Hamper laden with treats and local produce designed for snacking on Boxing Day said: “I thought the idea was excellent. We went to the Aldeburgh Christmas Lights and Framlingham Castle Christmas Fair which were great fun and put us in the Christmas mood.” Cathy Heeley, a resident of Benhall for 12 years, was delighted to win a larder full of fresh fruit, vegetables and meat from independent shops in Leiston and enjoyed competing with her children aged 9 and 11.

News

Chris Nichols of Nichols Butcher with prize winner Hamish Heeley

The Computer Cabinat HG Crisp

27 High Street, Saxmundham, 01728 602026

www.thecomputercabin.co.uk

Computer Problem? No Problem!Support, help and friendly advice,home tuition and custom builds

Free advice clinic on Saturdays 10am-12 noon

Want to support the Town Herald? Why not become our Friend?

5

Leiston Film Theatre

Dates are in January unless otherwise stated.

Tue 1 – Sat 5 Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted. (U) While Alex, Marty, Gloria and Melman try to find their way back to New York, they join a travelling circus as they move through Europe. Showing in 3D.

Thurs 10 - Sun 13 Cinderella. Live on stage, the Bright Sparks present their annual fun filled pantomime. Only limited tickets are available so call ahead on 01728 830549 to book.

Mon 14 – Thur 17 Great Expectations (12A). The classic Dickens tale starring Ralph Fiennes, Heleana Bonham-Carter and Robbie Coltrane. Who is orphan Pip's mysterious benefactor?

Fri 18 - Thur 24 The Impossible (12A) A Family battles to make it through one of the worst natural disasters of our time. Starring Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts.

Fri 25 – Thur 31 Les Miserables (12A) The classic musical based upon Victor Hugo's powerful tale of the Parisian underworld transfers to film. Starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway.

Aldeburgh Cinema

Tue 1 – Thur 3 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (12A) The prequel to Lord of the Rings kicks off with Martin Freeman starring as Hobbit Bilbo Baggins.

Wed 2 Amour (12A) An elderly couple's love is tested when illness strikes.

Fri 4 – Thur 10 Life of Pi (PG) On a voyage to America, a storm lands young Pi in a life boat with an unusual companion: A Bengal Tiger!

Sun 6, Wed 9 Rust and Bone (15) Ali and his son set out for a better life but fate soon interferes.

Fri 11 – Thur 17 Quartet (12A) Dustin Hoffman directs Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Michael Gambon in this tale of a retirement home for opera singers.

Fri 18 – Thur 31 Les Miserables (12A)

Local Entertainment Listings

The heartbreaking musical Les Miserables is showing at both Leiston Film Theatre and Aldeburgh Cinema this month.

6

Happy New Year.

2013 has a lot to live up to after a glorious 2012 with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the fabulous Olympic Torch relay culminating in a

fantastic games. Whilst 2012 was a year of glory, 2013 is a year of opportunity for our part of Suffolk. The centenary festival for Benjamin Britten will bring people from far and wide to our county. This is a great boost for tourism and also our schools have the chance to be involved with a national project, Friday Afternoons. Please encourage your headteachers to get involved. 2013 also is a key phase in the consultation on the construction of Sizewell C. This will, if EDF goes ahead with it, create thousands of jobs and will provide a massive boost to our local economy. It is important we take maximum advantage and that local residents benefit as much as possible from Sizewell C. We need to make sure our young people and existing workforce are equipped to take advantage of these opportunities. I was pleased that the Prime Minister re-committed to continuing to invest in apprenticeships and skills training when I asked him in Parliament so that Suffolk people can get the jobs that will be created along our Green Coast. We also need to maximise improvements to infrastructure. I fully understand local concerns on the significant impact and disruption that accompanies such a large project. This is the first stage of a marathon negotiation and it is important that public opinion is conveyed to EDF. I will be holding a series of community meetings on January 18 at which I will share some of my thoughts but principally I want to hear directly from you.

Details are as follows:

09:00 Woodbridge, The National Hall, Sun Lane Woodbridge, IP12 1EG13:30 Stratford St Andrew, Riverside Centre15:00 Yoxford, Village Hall16:30 Middleton, Village Hall18:00 Leiston, Sizewell Sports & Social Club20:00 Theberton, The Lion Inn 21:00 Eastbridge, The Eel’s Foot Inn The last two are informal sessions. If you intend to come along, I would be grateful if you let my office know in advance. Please email my constituency assistant, P. Mulcahy, patricia.mulcahy@parliament.uk It is important that your comments are also made to EDF formally. I would encourage you to do this directly athttp://sizewell.edfenergyconsultation.info. Talking about opportunities for our young people, I have been consistent in voicing my concern about the performance of our primary schools as a whole. There are some good schools but in 2011, Suffolk was in the bottom 10% in terms of performance and this year we were third worst. We need to turn this around in 2013.

There are two significant changes the County have introduced which will help. Children are now expected (though not compelled) to start school at the start of the academic year when they will be 5. The move to two-tier schools is shown to improve attainment. I do think the County should intervene more proactively in struggling schools but I recognise they have to focus their efforts. Aspiration to be the best and not just good enough is the step change in psyche which we need to see in all our schools in Suffolk, not just the few. Let's make 2013 a year for turning it around

Thérèse Coffey, MP

Writing exclusively for the Town Herald

Dr Therese Coffey

Please mention the Town Herald when responding to adverts.

7

Regular Events Do you run a local group? Would you like your regular meeting listed here? Need to update/correct an existing listing? Please get in touch editor@townherald.co.uk

1st Saxmundham Scouts Group at HQ, Memorial Field, Rendham Rd, Saxmundham. Boys and girls welcome to join. Beavers : Fridays 5.15pm to 6.30pm. Ages 6 to 8, Contact Lisa Wood saxbeavers@hotmail.co.uk. Cubs: Tuesday and Thursday 6pm to 7.30pm. Ages 8 to 10.5. Contact Dave Kenny or Adrian Norris, email sax_scoutgroup@btinternet.com. Scouts: Wednesday 7pm to 8.30pm. Ages 10.5 to 14. Contact Haydn Morris, email hm1962@btinternet.com or sax_scoutgroup@btinternet.com Yoga In Westleton. Monday 5.30 to 6.30pm beginners; 7 to 8.30pm intermediates. Westleton Village Hall. One-to-one yoga therapy by appointment. Judie Shore 01728 648460. www.suffolkcoastyoga.co.uk “CRAFTY Ladies” Craft Group. 1st and 3rd Mondays, 10am to 12.30pm, committee room, Kelsale Village Hall. £3 per session. Call Pam 01728 603995.Ladies Eastern Dance Classes Wickham Market Primary School, Tues from 6.15pm (Beginners); The Riverside Centre, Stratford St Andrew, Thurs from 7pm. Call Leanne 07796 087255 or email leda2713@btinternet.com . Dress comfortably. No previous experience necessary.Pagans Beyond The Pale. Discussion Group Meeting at Badingham, Nr Framlingham 7.15 for 7.30. Meets monthly, on the Wednesday after the New Moon. For further info see our website www.wix.com/thegreenman/pagans-beyond-the-pale .Top Time At Saxmundham Library. Thurs 11am to 12.30pm. All adults welcome. Games, films, play reading, talks and much more. Free entry. Refreshments 50p. Call Sax Library on 01728 403094.Molly Dancing Come and see Oxblood Molly at a practice session for a taster. Musicians and dancers always wanted – no previous experience necessary. Most Sundays at Peasenhall Village Hall but check with Roy on 01728 648901 or Julian 01986 873941.Kelsale Art Group Thurs 7 to 9pm, Kelsale

Village Hall committee room. New members welcome. Call Roger 01728 667037 or Mike 603995.Leiston & District Philatelic Society meet 4th Wed. at Leiston United Church Hall, High St, 7.30pm. Visitors and new members welcome, whether beginners or advanced stamp-collectors. Further info contact the President on 01728 830415 or Secretary on 01394 460901.Point Devis North West Morris and Garland Dancing Thursdays, Blythburgh Village Hall from 8 to 9.30pm. Open to all abilities. Dancers and musicians welcome. Contact Lin 01728 602465.Quaker Meetings in Leiston 10.30am every Sunday, Quaker Meeting House, Waterloo Avenue, Leiston. Children's class and Simple Lunch every Fourth Sunday.Singaround Kelsale Social Club, 2nd Thurs 8 to 11pm. All welcome. Join in or just have a drink and watch. Call Mike on 01728 603995 for details.Heritage Coast Dog Training Club every Wed 7.15 to 8.30pm, Market Hall, Saxmundham. Dogs of all ages; it’s a must for puppies. Run on a voluntary basis. Any enquiries call Denise on 01728 603386.Praise and Worship Evening 1st Sat 7.30pm, Yoxford Village Hall. Great musicians, vibrant singing, all welcome. Contact: Ray/Margaret 01728 602372.Melody Makers Mixed Choir. Rehearsals every Monday 7.30 to 9pm. Kelsale Village Hall (2nd Mondays, Main Hall, all others Committee Room). Details from 01728 602822 or 01728 602690. Labour Party, Leiston and District Branch. Meets 4th Tuesday at Friends Meeting House, Waterloo Avenue, Leiston, starts at

8

7.30pm. Visitors and new members welcome. Further information from the Secretary on 01728 833578.Leiston United Church hold a coffee morning every Friday and Saturday 10 - 11.30 am in aid of church funds. All are welcome.PASTEL Fun Workshops 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month (10.30am-3.30pm) at the Fromus Centre. For young adults aged 15-25 with a learning disability. Find out more at www.pastel.org.uk or contact Don Tricker at don.tricker@pastel.org.uk or 01728 604944. KT Crafts Craft Fair, Saxmundham Market Hall, 1st Sat, 9.30am to 1.30pm. Free entry, refreshments. Call Tina 01728 604784. In aid of local charities.Everyman Folk Club Riverside Centre, Gt. Glemham Rd, Stratford St Andrew. Last Friday each month 8pm. Call 01449 615523 for tickets and membership.Carpet Bowls. Saxmundham Market Hall. Tuesdays 7 to 9.30pm. New members welcome. Info Frances Maynard 01728 605797 or Lyn Martin 602078.Tai Chi Classes. Thursday mornings in Knodishall Village Hall, 11.15am to 12.15pm. Other classes also available. Contact Ali Crawford 01394 411717, ali.crawford@virgin.net for info.Saxmundham Art Group Fromus Centre, Thursday afternoons 1pm - 4pm. New members welcome. £1.75 per session. Please contact Ann 01728 830398 or Judy 01728 602353.Saxmundham Royal British Legion every 3rd Wednesday at the Gannon rooms. 7.45pm. Contact Rose Damiral White 603817.Westleton Village Quilters meet in Westleton Village Hall each Friday from 1-4pm. £12 per term or £1.50 for a single session. For more information contact Ann Bebbington on 01728 648943 or email john@bebbington2.orangehome.co.uk Aldeburgh Art Group. Meets at The Baptist Chapel, Aldeburgh High Street from 1.45 to 4pm every Tuesday. Open to all, this is a casual, untutored group. Bring your own art. £2 inc. tea and biscuits.Bruisyard Village Hall. Pub nights, every Thurs 7.30pm. Live music. Free admission. Come along for a pint and a chinwag.

Pilates every Tuesday in Village Hall 9.30 to 10.30am. Bruisyard Young People every Wednesday 6-7.30pm. Info contact John Gibb 01728 638912. Kelsale-cum-Carlton W.I. meets 2nd Tuesday, committee room Kelsale Village Hall 7 to 9pm. New members welcome. Contact Sue Potter on 01728 602177 or Sue Granville-George on 01728 604954.Flea Market/Brocante Yoxford Village Hall, 2nd Sat 9am-1pm. Stalls & refreshments, raising funds for village hall. Call 01728 660213.Sax I.T. Club. Weekly Fromus Centre. Wed 6-8pm. More at www.saxitclub.org.uk or contact Don Tricker at don.tricker@pastel.org.uk or 01728 604944.Saxmundham W.I. Meets 3rd Wednesday 7.30-9.30pm United Reform Church Chapel Road. Walking, play reading, lunch groups. Contact Jenny Mann 01728 604608Sizewell and Leiston Karate Club meets Tues and Thurs 6pm-8pm. Run for over 25 years! Children, adults, beginners or more experienced. All welcome. Tel. Liz 01728 604827. See www.slkc.co.uk or just turn up.Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group. Meets 2nd Mondays United Reformed Church Hall, Chapel Road, Saxmundham, IP17 1BJ. Members £1.50, non-members £2.50 http://aldevalleyfamilyhistorygroup.onesuffolk.net Saturday Morning Drama Club. Middleton Village Hall. Ages 4 to 7 years from 9.30 to 10.30am. Ages 8 to 11 years from 10.30 to 11.30am. Cost: £3 Contact simon@simonbridge.co.uk or 01728 648420.

www.persellewart.co.uk 01728 605991

9

Wednesday January 2, 11am – 12:30 pm at RSPB Minsmere. “Robin's Warmer” - enjoy a brisk healthy walk that will put colour in your cheeks, followed by a bowl of hot home-made soup and a pot of tea or a mug of filter coffee. £7.50 per person (no entry charge).

Thursdays January 3 or 10, 11:00 am (and every Thursday.) Saxmundham Library is the meeting place for TopTime, a friendly group for adults including talks, conversation and readings. No fee: tea & coffee 50p.

Friday January 4, at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm at RSPB Minsmere. “Old Father Time in Robin's Wild Wood” - a festive 40-minute walk with Father Time. £1.50 per person plus normal reserve entry fee. Advance booking essential. See the RSPB Minsmere website for details.

Friday January 4, 12 noon in the Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh. The Lunchtime Concerts series begins, featuring some of the brightest international young chamber musicians. Today Quatuor Zaide from France play Bach, Beethoven and Bartok. Tickets £4.50 - £9.00. To book call 01728 687110.

Friday January 11, 12 noon in the Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh. Lunchtime Concert with Quatuor Zaide playing Mozart, Stravinsky and Hindemith. Tickets £4.50 - £9.00. To book call 01728 687110.

Saturday January 12, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Sweffling White Horse is the venue for the second meeting of The Writer's Hut, a new local Creative Writing Group. For more details see http://bit.ly/TZn2BO

Tuesday January 15, 7:30 pm at the United Reform Church Hall. The Leiston Allotment Holders & Gardeners' Association will be hosting a talk by Bob Booker from Ladybird Nurseries entitled “Better seed germination & successful tomato growing”. Refreshments will be on offer. Raffle. Admission £3, Members £2

Friday January 18, 12 noon in the Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh. Lunchtime concert with the Mivos Quartet from the USA with a programme that will include Thomas Adès' Arcadiana. Tickets £4.50 - £9.00. To book call 01728 687110.

Saturday January 19, 11:00am at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich: “Little Story” for children aged 3 or 4, who love silly stories and tremendous tales. 12 noon: “Big Story”, for children aged 5 or 6. Mums, dads, brothers and sisters can come along or wait in the café. Booking required for children only. www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Friday January 25, 12 noon Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh. Lunchtime concert with the Mivos Quartet from the USA with a programme including chamber music by Britten's String Quartet no. 3 and music by Byrd. Tickets £4.50 - £9.00. To book call 01728 687110.

Friday January 25. 7:30pm. “From Sizewell to Walberswick”. A talk by Basil Jenkyns. Leiston Community Centre. In aid of Leiston Film Theatre Support Club. £7 Members £8 Non-members, contact 01728 831714 or tickets@leiston.info

Saturday January 26, Orford Quay at 9:00am and 12 noon (to last three hours) for Havergate Island by boat. “Winter wild fowl”, a spectacular birdwatching experience on the windswept Suffolk coast. RSPB members £12, non- members £19

Saturday January 26, 11:00am – 4:00pm, the Long Shop, Leiston. Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group Open Day. Data available for Benhall, Saxmundham, Leiston, Eastbridge and Sutton. See http://bit.ly/YqGPvG

Are you running an event? Did we miss yours? Contact suzy@townherald.co.uk for us to add it to our web diary or next edition.

Coming Events: January Sponsored by PERSELL EWART & Co.

Planning the way ahead with Persell Ewart & Co. Financial Management, Senior Partner Practise of St. James’s Place Wealth Management

It's January sales time, when we traditionally head off to the shops for some serious retail therapy. This year, why not take some time out to analyse the relationship between what you buy and what you throw away.

If you’re familiar with the saying “Rubbish In, Rubbish Out”, then you’ll understand the concept that everything you bring into your home will one day have to be disposed of, whether it’s reused, recycled, composted or binned. And while your rubbish bin gets slimmer, the last thing you want is for your recycling bin to get so fat it becomes unmanageable too. You only have to recall the disruptions to local bin collections due to snowfall to realise the benefits of reducing the amount of stuff that goes in your recycling bin too, a problem that many UK residents will have experienced in recent years. So it's a good idea to learn more about alternative ways to shop, find out more about packaging and discover how you can fit greater waste-free choices into your everyday lifestyle. It’s worth allocating a little bit longer than your usual shopping trip though. When I visited the supermarket for the first time during my challenge, it took me two hours because I was busy scanning the shelves. But it was worth it and I

can happily say, I soon spent less time in the shops, thereafter. The great news is that it doesn’t have to be difficult and whether you shop online, at the supermarket or in small stores, there are tricks to look out for that can slim your bin and save you money at the same time. You’ll start to look at grocery shopping as well as other types of shopping in a whole new light, and learn how to manage a whole range of other consumer distractions while you’re at it. So grab your comfy shoes, pick up your reusable bags because whether you love it or hate it, it’s now time to hit the shops. And don't forget, if you can't recycle it, reuse it or compost it, don't buy it!

Here's a handy hint to get you started. Remember before you go shopping, check to see what you've already got in your cupboards or fridge/freezer. You could even save yourself a trip by using up what you've got first.

Karen Cannard is from Suffolk and is an expert in reducing domestic waste

Talking RubbishKaren Cannard demonstrates how to reduce the rubbish you generate. www.therubbishdiet.co.uk

10

11

Leiston Town Council: December 4Full draft minutes available online for this meeting at http://bit.ly/URNHS5 Sizewell C Consultation Cllr Ginger was upset at the amount of land EDF were proposing to take to the north of Kenton Hill woods and could not believe they would be allowed to devastate so much of the AONB. It was agreed to discuss the issues at a special council meeting, on January 15.Town Appraisal The most recent part of the Action Plan being looked at was the issue of how schools could be used out of hours and how their facilities could be used for community use.Neighbourhood Plan. The next step is to integrate councillors into the working groups and publish a master list so everyone could communicate and the groups could operate at their convenience.Allotments. Cllr Ginger outlined the main items raised at the meeting with the Allotment Association. On his proposition the report was accepted and, on a further proposition, it was agreed to write to the District Council to request that four small sycamores in the caravan park, which blighted one of the allotments, be removed.Community Centre Repairs. Members noted the quote to re-lay around 80sq m of tarmac at the front of the Community Centre but wondered whether it wouldn’t be better to replace the area needing refurbishment with block paving. Haylings Pond. Current negotiations with SCDC regarding devolution of the Haylings Pond site members were still disappointed that the District had not made the entrance to the meadow disabled-friendly.

Saxmundham Town Council: December 10Olympic Torch flags Refund cheque should be sent within the next couple of weeks.Grit Bins Five grit bins will be purchased immediately and the Town Clerk will liaise with Cllr Howe for the exact locations for the bins.Councillor Vacancy A vacancy has arisen due to the resignation of Mrs Damiral-White. Notices will be placed on the Notice Board and website. The Clerk has received one nomination for this vacancy at present. Parking Facilities The Chairman of Christies Care Ltd has written an email to the Clerk to discuss the possible provision of car parking facilities. The Clerk will liaise and make an appointment for her and Cllr Sir Peter to meet the Chairman for further discussions. Personnel Cllr Cooke had requested the Clerk sign a new contract due to a change in how her hours are worked.However the Clerk had a number of queries, which she had previously circulated, and will not sign her contract until various problems are sorted. Deferred until Cllr Cooke’s return from holiday.

Council Watch

12

Book Group next meets on Friday 4th January, 1.30pm. Currently reading ‘A Load Of Old Tripe’ by Gervase Phinn. Bookstart sessions (term time only) continue Tuesdays 9.30-10am, Fridays 10.30 – 11am. If you are looking for a friendly session to bring your baby or toddler to why not try the Friday morning session at 10.30am. This session is a little smaller than Tuesdays and would be a great introduction for you to join in singing rhymes with your child. Please contact Saxmundham Library for further details 01728 652440. Why not have a look at the Bookstart website www.bookstart.org.uk Did you know the Suffolk Libraries loan DVDs, CDs and Nintendo Wii & DS games? DVDs are £1 (or £3 for a premier first 12 weeks) per week. CDs are £1.25 per week. Nintendo Wii & DS games are £3 per week. If we don’t have what you want at your local library we can reserve it free of charge. At Home Library ServiceDo you, or does someone you know, find it difficult to visit a library because of age, disability, illness or special

circumstances? If so, we can deliver books and spoken word cassettes or CDs to you through the Suffolk At Home Library Service. This is a FREE service. A volunteer will visit you regularly with a selection for you to choose from. You can request specific titles or subjects via your volunteer. When they are available, we will deliver them on one of our regular visits to your home. If you, or anyone you know, would like to receive this service, please contact your local Library (Saxmundham 01728 652440, Leiston 01728 831252, Aldeburgh 01728 452502, Framlingham 01728 723735) or the WRVS Local Co-ordinator, 11d Farthing Road Industrial Estate, Farthing Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 5AP, tel 01473 744619, email wrvstowntravels@wrvs.org.uk or susan.francis@suffolk.gov.uk Leiston & District Talking Newspaper Talking Newspaper for Blind and Partially Sighted people in this area, with news from The East Anglian Daily Times, articles, short stories, etc. If your sight is failing and you are interested in this facility please telephone Evelyn Rumsby 01728 453579 (or contact your Library).

The Talking Newspaper is a registered charity, completely FREE, including FREE postage.

Saxmundham Library Staff (Liz, Helen, Gabriele & Jane) would like to wish their customers a very Happy and Healthy New Year!

Library News

13

Alde Valley School Sixth Form Charity Day

On Wednesday December 19, Alde Valley Sixth Form held their annual ‘Dress Up Day’, with costumes as diverse as a colony of penguins, the ‘Welsh Mafia’ and characters from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and ‘Sesame Street’. The Sixth Form visited Saxmundham, Aldeburgh and Leiston, collecting money for a local and national charity; St. Elizabeth Hospice and the NSPCC.

The event was a fantastic success, thanks to the generosity of the local public, with a total of £400 going to each of the charities.

The Sixth Form finished the afternoon with a festive Christmas buffet, and humorous silly games. Everyone participated and thoroughly enjoyed the day, and we would like to thank the local public for their cooperation and support.

By Sonny Butterworth and Jemima Dye

Suffolk Energy Ambassador programme wins Award A partnership led by Suffolk County Council has won the NEF Innovation Institute Innovation Award for its successful Energy Ambassador and School Energy Network programmes.

The programmes were to link every secondary school in Suffolk with the energy industry, and set up a unique partnership between seven high schools in North Suffolk to collaboratively raise their pupil’s knowledge of the industry. Professionals working in the sector gave up their time to share their knowledge and passion for the sector and act as an energy ambassador for their local school.

The project is led by Alde Valley School. Each school has 15 Energy Ambassadors who take part in a wide variety of activities and then feedback the information they have gained to their peers by a range of different methods. The students of Alde Valley are setting up a blog to get the message across.

The winners were recently announced by Maggie Philbin, TeenTech CEO and BBC journalist, at the ‘Innovisions’, the UK Innovation Awards.

School Report

The colony of penguins that invaded Alde Valley School before Christmas

"This year I'm going to recycle more, starting with last year's resolutions."

14

Please write to us by email editor@townherald.co.uk, drop letters

into HG Crisp in Saxmundham

or mail them to Town Herald, c/o HG Crisp 27 High Street, Saxmundham,

IP17 1AF

Testing Your Resolve

Dear Town Herald

I wonder how many of your readers will be making New Year's resolutions this year only to break them within the week? It's all too common and often because we set ourselves challenges that are too difficult to manage at a time of year when we're generally at a low ebb.

Why not make a resolution that's easier to keep that will also make a difference to the world this year? Volunteering in the community or making a regular donation to a charity close to your heart will lift the spirits and you might just make the world a better place.

Jess Clemand

What a lovely idea! If anyone would like to try this, a good place to look for volunteering opportunities is www.do-it.org.uk. Type in a postcode to see what's available nearby.

Foul Deeds?I hate to bang on about an age old problem but some places in the area are getting pretty nasty with dog's business.

I have a dog myself but I don't want to get a bad name for other owners' carelessness. Is there nothing we can do to punish people who don't pick up?

Tony Stanza

Suffolk Coastal District Council recently prosecuted a dog owner in Felixstowe for failing to pick up mess, even though the incident occurred at 4am, so careless owners really should look out!

In its press release about the incident, the council said: “Our waste and environmental enforcement team are the people to call on 01934 444000 for anyone to report any similar offences anywhere in our district, whether it be dog fouling, dropping litter or fly-tipping.”

It also gave advice on what to do with cleaned up dog mess: “Dog waste should always be picked up immediately. Special doggy bags are available from many outlets, but any bag will do and it should then be tied and put in any bin, not just a dog waste bin, or in the owner’s grey-lidded bin at home.”

That's a cracker

I found this in my cracker over Christmas dinner. Q: Why don't anarchists drink Earl Grey or Darjeeling? A: Because proper tea is theft.

Geoff Peace

Letters to the Town Herald

ACROSS1 Clairvoyant is to support the nuts in charge (9)6 One with the hump caught male out (5)9 Wife perhaps is inactive business associate (8,7)10 Split reported initially by one newspaper (4)11 Dance follows live jazz (5)12 Song for that man on the radio (4)15 Warm review read out (7)16 Betray one’s principles in v. popular show (4-3)17 Completely finished with a Latin paramour (3,4)19 Old king hugs wayward son for comfort (7)20 Part of azalea, for example (4)21 Vietnamese perhaps is like Scot (5)22 Oddly ignored fondness for poetry (4)26 Quick excursion to see small railway stations? (7-4,4)27 Act on desire to find most senior member (5)28 Evil bank acquires church, honestly! (9)

DOWN1 Awkward question for affected sort (5)2 Poor formality, I aver, involves one showing this? (4-11)3 Writer’s optimism (4)4 Hide treatment from the workers here? (7)5 Generous policeman promises to pay (7)6 Low-life needs time with brief (4)7 Fed poorly no more, somehow getting easy cash (5,3,3,4)8 Left regent to change spectacles (9)13 Start court proceedings? (5)14 Criticism involving northern side (5)

15 Drank with heads of state when permitted (9)18 More reckless son provides the bacon (7)19 Punish devious cheats to a point (7)23 Sprinkle water on some flowers (5)24 Most put up with this chap (4)25 Sword turns up in Dundee perhaps (4)

Last Month's SolutionsSudoku

CrosswordACROSS1 panel beaters. 9 Arizona. 10 portico. 11 peacock. 12 chinook. 13 inlay. 14 adversary. 16 henpecked. 19 belay. 21 attains. 23 Oceania. 24 rebuild. 25 address. 26 the done thing.

DOWN2 abigail. 3 economy. 4 blackjack. 5 aspic. 6 earlier. 7 Spinoza. 8 donkey's years. 9 amphitheatre. 15 videotape. 17 not a bit. 18 edifice. 19 breadth. 20 lantern. 22 saddo.

Crossword

15

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

ADVERTISING Payment required at the time of booking. Call on 01728 885147 or email editor@townherald.co.uk to find out rates.

FRIENDS OF THE TOWN HERALDMrs Marjorie Robertson, Louis BaumCOPY DATES The Town Herald is published at the beginning of the month. The deadline for Issue 7 is 5pm, on January 20 for February 2013 publication. Call 01728 885174 or email editor@townherald.co.uk. You can deliver copy to HG Crisp in Saxmundham High Street.

THANKS TO Bob Foyers, Penny Robertson, Cristiana Theodoli, Suzy Powling, Geoff & Rachael Fordham

PUBLISHER Joe Cassels Limited, 22 St Johns Road, Saxmundham

ADVERTISEMENT

WINTER SERVICING FROM YOUR LOCAL GARDEN MACHINERY EXPERT

Regular servicing is essential to keep your machinery in good health, to ensure it lasts as long as possible, starts easily and performs its task properly. Unfortunately, after a hard Summer's work too many mowers and other machinery are put back in the garage to be forgotten about until the garden wakes up in the Spring when lots of people find their machinery is rather less eager to wake up and get going. Putting them away dirty can lead to corrosion of the mowing deck from the acids in the grass cuttings. Overwintered stale fuel can lead to starting problems next Spring. Washing and valeting your mower along with a comprehensive service will help prolong the working life of your machine, saving you expensive replacement parts or machine costs.

Our knowledge and expertise covers all types and makes of ground care machinery. We

have a solidly built local reputation for good service and fair pricing. All service work is carried out in accordance with manufacturers guidelines and service advice. All repairs and servicing are carried out using genuine manufacturers spare parts. By adhering to these specific schedules you the owner can rest assured that your machine is repaired and serviced to the highest standards and all work is guaranteed.

Verbal or written estimates are given on request.

Mention The Town Herald when booking in your machine/s and get free collection and return, saving up to £20 + VAT (for January only).

Contact David Abbott at V.I.P. Garden Machinery, The Workshop, Croft Farm, Snape, Saxmundham Suffolk, IP17 1QW.

Telephone: 01728 688457 or Mobile: 07887 688457 e-mail: david@vipgardmach.co.uk

USEFUL NUMBERS

Citizens' Advice 01728 832193Rail Enquiries 0845 748 4950NHS Direct 0845 4647Police 01986 835300Samaritans 08457 909090

SAXMUNDHAMFromus Vets 01728 602599Dental Surgery 01728 602537Doctors' Surgery 01728 602022Town Council 01728 604595Library 01728 403094

LEISTON Dentist, Crown St 01728 830790Dentist, High St. 01728 832133Doctors' Surgery 01728 830 526Leisure Centre 01728 830364Town Council 01728 830388Library 01728 831252