News

    Tennis Club Membership 2024

    New updated form for 2024

    See here

    Also for details see the tennis club pages here

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    Tennis Courts Closed

    The tennis courts will be closed from 4-7 March 2024 for cleaning.

    No bookings should be made! Thank you

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    Changes!

    Village Hall and Tennis Booking contacts have changed.

    Please see the appropriate pages for the details.

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    Tennis Courts

    New 2023-2024 information added on the Tennis Court pages ....

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    BINGO

    The next Bingo evening in The Village Hall will be on the 18th of January 2023. The December Bingo has been cancelled.

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    BINGO

    Stonham Aspal Village Hall

    Wednesday 16th Nov 2022 7.30pm start

    Fun for all

    Come and join us, and meet some locals .....

    Bring your own refreshments

    Tea and coffee will be available at the halftime break, for which we would gratefully receive a donation

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    Defibrillator

    We are pleased to announce that the Village now has a Public Defibrillator: This is in the telephone box outside Kiosk Cottage (near the Church). Our thanks go to The Parish Council, Village Hall Committee and Metcalf General fund for their donations. Thanks also to the Community Council for providing the ongoing financial annual support.

    If you need to use the defibrillator follow the instructions in the Phone Box (Dial 999 and ask for the Ambulance service, who will then talk you through what you need to do, and give you the access code).

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    Fibre (FTTP) Update

    I have been asked by Openreach that four people have not confirmed their DCMS Vouchers in the original scheme. They can’t provide me with the Emails (Data Protection), but asked me to contact those who signed up to remind you: Please do reply to the DCMS Email (whether you have moved house or not) so our subsidy is preserved. You will have been sent an Email from me.

    As an update, you may have noticed that all the Openreach work in the Village. As well as the scheme you took part in (from A140 end of the village to Wingfield), there is an extension down East End Lane, and Openreach are also providing service along The Street to Stonham Barns and Crowfield road at their own expense. We provided the kick start to the whole process: Thanks to you all for this!

    You’ll also like to know that it will only be a few weeks now before we get service. I’ll post on the Facebook pages and this web site when ordering should be possible.

    Charles Brookson

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    Tennis Club Information 2022-2023

    There is updated information on using the Tennis Courts for this new year.

    Please see the Tennis Page for information

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    Fibre update

    Fibre update: Openreach have just informed me that they now have the funding completed, and that the central part of Stonham Aspal (78 houses) will have direct fibre (for free) to each house within the year. I am still awaiting the costs on covering the rest of the Village. East End lane is subject to funding by Suffolk County, and I am trying to get further information on this as well. If you are in Mill Green it is worth checking if you have it already, as much of that area does have Fibre now.

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    Saturday 13th March Notes from the Cart Track

    Saturday 13th March Notes from the Cart Track

    The recent spell of dry, calmer weather has allowed us to make a start on some of the spring land work.  With quite a heavy workload ahead and some fairly soggy soil to deal with, it is a relief to be able to get going.  The gales, hail and rain have stopped us again but the promise of more settled weather, to celebrate St. Patrick next week, gives cause for optimism.

    We managed to spray the cover crops with glyphosate to start the decaying process on 23rd February.  We are advised to leave these fields for 5 weeks before drilling into the untouched soils to reduce the quantity of plant material the drill has to cut through and also to apply a modest dose of liquid nitrogen and sulphur fertiliser to get the barley growing as quickly as possible.  We have dug some trial patches with a spade to check on the state of the soil these cover crops have achieved and we are fairly optimistic.  The thick growth of rye, common vetch and phacelia has left the soil very friable  with no solid clods near the surface and a multitude of worms and roots in the top 30cm.  the soil is quite moist but should dry with warmer dry weather as the green material dries off.  We have fitted a different coulter arrangement to the Claydon Drill which has discs to cut through the plant material and sprung tines to sow the seed.  A small amount of frustration occurred over this.  Defra are keen to promote direct drilling and our use of cover and catching cropping is in their view desirable.  This system of crop establishment is “greener” than the more traditional system of ploughing, power harrow and drill.  Grants are available for the purchase of new machinery to achieve this but not for retro fitting direct drilling coulters to existing machines.  So, if we invested £50,000 in a new version of our drill, we would get a sizable grant but spending £9000 on a conversion we get nothing!!

    All the rape and wheat have had their first application of Nitrogen and Sulphur.  Sam was very concerned at the muddy state of the tramlines through the crops, but the majority of the fields are bearable, and I suspect tramlines will remain muddy for quite a while this year.

    We installed our new security gate last week and we are now thinking of becoming Broughton Scrubs!  We have left a good wide pathway round the side for pushchairs, dogs, bicycles and walkers and would stress that footpath users are very welcome as before.  The gate will be open for school parking at the beginning and end of the school day.  Anyone that has been in the habit of leaving the car while they run or walk the dog may need one of us to let them out.  It is unfortunate that criminal behaviour by the few impacts on all our lives in so many ways.

    David Tydeman

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    Mickfield Evangelical Church March 2021

    Rich Tearle (Pastor) Tel: 710101 (Church Office)  mickfieldec@gmail.com or rich.tearle.mec@gmail.com
                                                                                                                   
    For latest service info/times please see the website.
     
    But did it REALLY happen???
      
    This is now our second Easter under the impact of Covid-19. Easter is a crucial celebration for Christians. We focus on the death and resurrection of Jesus. We believe Jesus rose from the dead. A shocking claim for sure, and one that we don’t just accept blindly with no reason. Many people have examined the evidence for the resurrection and have been convinced.
     
    Here are the 6 E’s of evidence for Jesus’ resurrection:
     
    Existence. Jesus of Nazareth was a real human being. If you’d been there you could have met him! The historical evidence is vast. Historians of all beliefs are convinced by it. We have references to Jesus in the Roman authors: Pliny the Younger, Suetonius and Tacitus. We have the Jewish historian Josephus and the Greek author Lucian of Samosata. We also have early Christian references in Papias, Ignatius and Clement. And on top of that we have the 4 early gospel accounts of Jesus life. Each one is built on a ton of actual eyewitness testimony.
     
    Execution. Jesus was definitely dead on the cross! Sometimes people claim he didn’t actually die, and therefore didn’t rise. This is known as the ‘swoon’ theory. But the brutality of Jesus’ treatment, the expert Roman execution, and the medical evidence backed up by modern science, show that he really was dead. The vicious scourging prior to his crucifixion was enough to kill someone.
     
    Empty Tomb. Leaders of all kinds die, and leave a tomb or grave. But Jesus left behind an empty tomb. His body wasn’t stolen, as some claim, because it couldn’t have been. His body was placed in a marked, sealed and double guarded tomb. And even if the disciples had been able to steal the body, why would they be willingly martyred for something they knew was a lie? The most plausible explanation for the empty tomb is the resurrection of Jesus.
     
    Eyewitnesses. When I was at college studying A-level History, the class know-it-all was going on and on about a miner’s strike back in the 1970s. They told us all the details! The tutor waited…and waited. And then finally he said, in his gentle and quiet voice: ‘I know…I was there’. He’d been there. He’d been involved. He was an eyewitness.
    There were hundreds of eye-witnesses who met the risen Jesus. Sometimes one or two or a small group. At least once the risen Jesus met a group of more than 500 people. There is no such thing as ‘mass-hallucination’. It doesn’t happen! Many of these people we’re hard-nosed sceptics. They weren’t easily-led. They weren’t stupid. But they were convinced. And many willingly gave up their lives preaching the message that Jesus died and rose again.
     
    Example of Paul. Saul was a religious zealot on a mission to arrest Christians. He hated them. But fast forward…Take a look at his life years later: he’s one of the main early Christian leaders, he’s a church-planter, a Christian author, a pastor-theologian, a defender of the faith. He’s convinced. And he’s changed his name to Paul! What on earth could cause such a dramatic transformation? Simply this: He met the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus.
     
    Experience of many. Sensible, educated, reasonable people have become convinced by the evidence. One such man is called Lee Strobel. He was born in 1952 in America. Lee got a Law degree from Yale Law School and became an investigative journalist. And he was a firm atheist. But when his wife became a Christian, annoyed, he decided to investigate Jesus and try to disprove her beliefs. He read many books. He interviewed experts exploring history and archaeology and ancient literature. He tested out the resurrection of Jesus. And he became convinced. He became a Christian. As Lee put it: he was ‘ambushed by the evidence’.
     
    You can read more in Lee’s book: The Case for Christ.
    If Jesus rose from the dead, then there is life beyond the grave. And that, is the most important news you’ll ever hear...
     
    Rich T

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    Friends of Debenham Library

    See www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/coronavirus for the latest details

    Libraries are now open again for “Select and Collect” service and reservations so that people can request and pick up items from their library.

    There will be no rush to bring items back as loan periods will again be extended and charges suspended. Browsing inside libraries and the use of computers will remain unavailable for the time being. The mobile library services and home library service will also remain suspended for now.

    As always our plans are dependent on any changes in infection rates or government guidance.

    At Debenham the garden outside the library has been receiving attention, and we have planted primulas in the letters SRH cut in the grass beside the drive. We hope they will still be there when you visit, despite the snow and cold!

    For free audiobooks, ebooks, films, newspapers/magazines and other online services, use your library card at  www.suffolklibraries.co.uk. There are also podcasts and videos available on the YouTube channel www.youtube.com/user/SuffolkLibraries.

    • Book ahead to use a computer: phone or email the library; or just turn up. Printing, faxing and photocopying are also available.
    •   We have reintroduced charges for overdue items. This will only apply to items borrowed on or after Monday 5 October which are due back on 2 November onwards. Library loan periods will remain at four weeks.
    •   We have also reintroduced charges for DVDs.

    School corner, Debenham IP14 6PL (next to the Primary School). Opening hours:

    Tuesday:     0930 am – 1300 pm        Wednesday : 1500  – 1930 pm

    Saturday:     0900 am – 1300 pm        Sunday:         1200 – 1600 pm

    Tel: 01728 861940      www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/visit/locations-and-times/debenham-library
    Facebook: @DebenhamLibraryFriends          Email: debenham.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk

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    Notes from The Cart Track February 13th 2021

    What a selection of weather conditions we have had over the last three weeks, floods, gales, brilliant sun, fog and snowfall, which has turned the Suffolk Lowlands into something much more exotic. I am very glad that after four decades of being tied to pigs’ tails I do not have to worry about thawing out water pipes and pig drinkers each morning. I am not looking forward to the result of 15 cm of snow melting onto already saturated land but perhaps we will get some drying winds to sort it all out.

    We are part of Suffolk highways conscripted snow clearance contractors who get called upon to clear snow drifts on the minor roads in the area. We use our telescopic loader and JCB digger to assist doing A roads first, B roads second and the smaller roads last. People watching from the cab is a fascinating experience. Adverse weather really does bring out the best and worse in drivers. Clearing single track roads which are impassable is the best experience because nothing can get past so progress can be rapid. A roads which are partially blocked can be exciting because it is legal to travel at 60mph even when it is icy! B roads on which one track has been cleared are the worst because drivers coming up behind
    Can see a way through and expect the snow clearing vehicle to get out of their way instantly. Some of my fellow contractors employed a crafty method where they created a snow drift behind and in front of the genuine one to allow them to work without interruption for a while. Probably not officially allowed but very effective and much easier on the nerves. I begin to have sympathy with the road closure signs which annoy us all so much! There is an expectation that road users should be able to go wherever they want at any hour of the day or night and in any weather conditions. I suppose that swearing at a digger driver who is clearing a snow drift on the road has to be expected in this world of instant gratification.

    This years snow clearance has been the best organised ever in my experience. We were put on standby 48 hours ahead of the snow and given a mobile number to ring if conditions got bad. We were not allowed out in the dark but were called at 6.30am and told which roads we were responsible for and given a priority list. At the end of each day we were contacted for a progress report and hours worked. The highways get a lot of stick over potholes, verges and road surfacing, but I cannot fault the way they dealt with the snow.

    Did any of you do the RSPB garden bird watch at the end of January? We had 15 species this year with Jay, great spotted woodpecker and song thrush being the favourites. The first morning’s snow brought 11 chaffinches, presumably shifted off our field of bird seed because of the wind. Our bird feeders have been a great experience during this last year’s confinement

    David Tydeman

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    From The Rectory – March 2021 - Dawn

    Picture the scene for a moment. It’s early morning and dawn is breaking. Alone in the garden you watch as the first shadowy trees emerge, silhouetted against the dawn sky. It will be a warm spring morning. Soon, in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city, this will be a place of peaceful refuge, but for the moment all is quiet, all is still. At this hour the city still sleeps and you are alone.

    Except, not everyone is sleeping. By a fresh grave stands a young woman. She is weeping. She has come here mourning for a friend; a man she loved; a man who had given her a sense of dignity and purpose. She had joined him on a journey, full of hope and expectation. Now he lies dead; murdered. Now she has come to mourn his passing and as she does, she mourns for herself too. She stands and weeps. The grave is as empty as her heart; where have they taken him, why couldn’t they just leave his body in peace?

    The woman at the graveside is Mary Magdalene, it’s Easter morning and the grave she has come to is Jesus’. [It feels strange to be writing about Easter before we have even started Lent. But this is a story for our time.]

    Now is a season of mourning. As we mourn for those who have died; we also mourn a wider loss: jobs, businesses, friendships and family connections; education and the many joys and challenges for young people just branching out into the world; plans for retirement and closing years; above all, perhaps, a sense of a loss of freedom. We mourn as if the life we know has been stolen from us.

    St John (John 20:11-18) tells us that as Mary wept a man appeared behind her. “Why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?” he asked. Slowly the penny drops. Jesus is alive. The tomb is empty because he no longer needs it. “Do not hold on to me” he says. Now, seeing him before her once more, she has to let him go again, but now she knows she is letting go, not into death but into new life. As we watch them both go, Mary back to the city, Jesus to his father, a new day has dawned. Where will that day take us?

    Rev Philip

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    Church News February 2021

    St Mary and St Lambert,

    Stonham Aspal and Mickfield

    ALTHOUGH THE CHURCH IS CLOSED FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP, IT IS STILL ALIVE AND BUSY.

    If we can help you in any way please contact any one of us:

    RECTOR: Rev Philip Payne Tel: 01449 711684 revphilippayne@btinternet.com

    ASSISTANT PRIEST: Revd. Helen Norris, Tel: 01449 761867 h.norris1@hotmail.co.uk

    Churchwardens and Lay Elders:          

    David Tydeman 01449 711124 djtydeman@gmail.com

    Alex Pratt 01449 711393 alexjenkinson@btopenworld.com

    Lay Elders:

    Mary Payne 01449711684 pjma_payne@hotmail.com

    Liz Ince 01449 711365 lizandjohnince@gmail.com

    THE CHURCH IS OPEN FOR PRIVATE PRAYER ON SUNDAYS: 10am – 4pm

    ALL THE SERVICES ARE BENEFICE SERVICES ON ZOOM.

    YOU ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND ANY SERVICE.

    Contact: reader@ruthdennigan@gmail.com for the link

    There may be changes to services due to Covid 19 regulations. More up to date information can be found on the weekly Pew Sheet. If you would like to be added to the email circulation please send your email address to lizandjohnince@gmail.com

    ZOOM SERVICES

    Sundays 9.30am Morning Worship
    Wednesdays 9.00am Morning Prayer
    Fridays   Friday 5 March Sunday 14 March Sunday 28 March 6.30pm   6.30pm 9.30am 9.30am Compline   World Day of Prayer Mothering Sunday Worship Palm Sunday Worship

    LENT IN A BAG

    Activities for children during Lent have been delivered to families around the parish. The activities began with the launch of the Bishops’ Kagera Lent Appeal on Ash Wednesday and follow with more for all the weeks during Lent, including World Day of Prayer, Mothering Sunday, Palm Sunday and Easter.

    WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

    This year the day of prayer has been prepared by the Christian Women of Vanuatu which is just over 1,100 miles east of Australia in the Pacific Ocean. To find out more about Vanuatu and to join in this world wide ecumenical day of prayer contact Ruth for the link. The service will be held on Zoom at 6.30pm on 5 March.

    MOTHERING SUNDAY

    The service at 9.30am on Sunday 14 March on Zoom will celebrate ‘mothering’ in all its diverse forms, and remember how young women in service in the past would make the journey home to their ‘Mother Church’ mid-way through Lent.

    PALM SUNDAY

    As I write this we are still in lockdown and are not expecting that much will change before Easter, so our usual walk with a donkey will once again be impossible. We will celebrate Palm Sunday in a different way, on Zoom at 9.30am on 28 March, remembering Christ’s final journey into Jerusalem.

    200 CLUB WINNERS

    We have some pennies to give out, congratulations to all those who have been lucky in the January and February draw. Thank you to all those who continue to support this village hall and church fundraiser. A donation of £12 gives one number which is included in the draw each month of the year, with prize money being doubled up for December. If you are not already in the draw and would like to take part, please contact me on 711393 or alexjenkinson@btopenworld.com

    Once again thank you again for supporting this fundraiser during these challenging times, it is very much appreciated. Alex

    January Winners

    1st prize £50 No 18 H Fuller

    2nd prize £20 No 61 L Power

    =3rd prize £15 No 213 J Mitchel

    =3rd prize £15 No 47 M Greaves

    February Winners

    1st prize £50 No 7 G Kinsey

    2nd prize £20 No 73 J Wright

    =3rd prize £15 No 103 R Boulton

    =3rd prize £15 No 213 J Mitchel

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    WI February 2021

    Come and try the WI for free in March! Visitors can attend our Zoom meeting for free – just email Ruth on ruth.wailes@gmail.com for the meeting link.
    Over the last 11 months, Stonham Aspal WI has, like many groups, continued to meet over Zoom. For several months we cancelled our speakers, but now we are back with a full programme for 2021. Whether we will hold these meetings over Zoom or in the Village Hall will depend on the restrictions at the time. We will post updates on the Village website and Facebook.

    Our speakers for the next few months are:
    Monday 15th March – “Dick Turpin – the myth and the man”
    Monday 19th April – “HealthWatch Suffolk” – who, what and how we can make a difference to health services with your help.
    Monday 17th May – “Drought Gardening”.
    Monday 21st June – a garden party plus discussion of the campaigns that the National WI is putting forward
    Monday 19th July – Trek for Life – why did 4 middle aged people decided to trek to Everest base camp?
     
     
    Ruth Wailes   01449 711997

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    Mickfield Evangelical Church February 2021

    Rich Tearle (Pastor) Tel: 710101 (Church Office)  mickfieldec@gmail.com or rich.tearle.mec@gmail.com
                                                                                                                   
    For latest service info/times please see the website.
     
    Reconstruction…
      
    Early on in the pandemic we stumbled across something really helpful. A summary of how crises work. It’s really simple. There’s that moment of revelation, when we realise we’re in a crisis. Then there is a process of response, which typically takes 0-3 months. This is the pragmatic stage, the ‘doer’s’ are most effective here. This is followed by the recovery phase (3-12 months). This is an adjustment stage, where people learn to live with the “new normal”. Finally, the reconstruction phase comes. A time for rebuilding.
     
    We’ve found this especially helpful as we’ve faced lockdown 3.0! We recognise that as a nation, as a church and as local communities, we are still in recovery. We’re still getting out of this crisis. This has helped to set our expectations. It’s helped us diagnose what’s needed and what’s most important as the months have gone by.
     
    We all look forward to reconstruction. There will be things we’ve gained which we want to retain. There will be things we’ve lost which we want to regain. [There might also be things we’ve gained which we’re happy to lose and things we’ve lost which we’re happy to leave behind!]
     
    I am not a builder! But I do know one thing. Construction requires solid foundations. As you look to rebuild your life…what will you build it on? As a Christian my life is built on Jesus Christ. He is a tried and tested foundation. Many have built their lives on him, and have not regretted it. We can build our lives on his words and teaching (and much of our society, history and culture still is – whether we like it or not!) And we can also build our lives on what he has done. He lived the perfect life that we could never live. He died a death to bring us forgiveness. And he rose again to bring us new life. That’s a foundation I can build on. How about you? 
     
    Rich T
     
     

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    Debenham Library Update February 2021

    See www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/coronavirus for the latest details

    From 15 February libraries will reopen for Select and Collect service and reservations so that people can request and pick up items from their library.

    There will be no rush to bring items back as loan periods will again be extended and charges suspended. Browsing inside libraries and the use of computers will remain unavailable for the time being. The mobile library services and home library service will also remain suspended for now.

    As always our plans are dependent on any changes in infection rates or government guidance.

    At Debenham the garden outside the library has been receiving attention, and we have planted primulas in the letters SRH cut in the grass beside the drive. We hope they will still be there when you visit, despite the snow and cold!

    For free audiobooks, ebooks, films and other services, use your library card at  www.suffolklibraries.co.uk. There are also podcasts and videos available on the YouTube channel www.youtube.com/user/SuffolkLibraries.

    • Book ahead to use a computer: phone or email the library; or just turn up. Printing, faxing and photocopying are also available.
    •   We have reintroduced charges for overdue items. This will only apply to items borrowed on or after Monday 5 October which are due back on 2 November onwards. Library loan periods will remain at four weeks.
    •   We have also reintroduced charges for DVDs.

    School corner, Debenham IP14 6PL (next to the Primary School). Opening hours:

    Tuesday:     0930 am – 1300 pm        Wednesday : 1500  – 1930 pm

    Saturday:     0900 am – 1300 pm        Sunday:         1200 – 1600 pm

    Tel: 01728 861940      www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/visit/locations-and-times/debenham-library
    Facebook: @DebenhamLibraryFriends          Email: debenham.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk

    ”Read

    Dan Poulter February 2021

    Content from Dr Dan Poulter MP                                                         01 February 2021

    Having been contacted by a number of parents and schools concerned about the disparity of higher needs education funding here in Suffolk compared to our neighbouring counties, I have urged the Education Secretary to urgently review Suffolk’s funding allocation and to level up education funding for our children and young people. 

    I share the concerns of parents and schools and I am growing increasingly concerned that without a meaningful injection of cash, many of Suffolk’s children risk losing out on their fair share.  We already know that Suffolk is facing a substantial increase in the number of children and young people in need of additional support, yet rates for special school places in the county are significantly below those of our neighbours.

    Suffolk children and Suffolk schools deserve better and at the very least, a level playing field.  The current funding allocation is not right and nor is it fair and this is why I have written to the Secretary of State setting out the case for Suffolk and requesting that his Department levels up Suffolk’s SEND funding to secure a fairer future for our brilliant children and young people.

    Although our schools currently remain closed under the current restrictions, I have been heartened to hear of the innovative examples of home learning, both from parents and our teachers.  That said, home learning cannot take the place of being in class for face to face teaching and I remain hopeful that our schools can begin to return in early March.

    Ahead of our schools returning, the Government continues to make great progress with the vaccination programme and I am continuing to press the case with the Vaccination Minister and local health leaders to make sure that Suffolk residents are invited to receive their vaccine just as soon as is practicably possible. 

    As more and more of us receive the vaccine, light is very definitely at the end of the tunnel with many millions of people having being vaccinated across the country.  This is a fantastic achievement and my thanks go to all who have been involved in co-ordinating the herculean effort of rolling out the vaccination programme. 

    We still have some way to go and cannot rest on our laurels, so it remains vital that we all continue to play our part in helping to stop the spread of COVID.  We mustn’t drop our guard now when we have come so far and the end goal is in sight.  The single most important action we can all take is to follow the guidance to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.

    ”Read

    Notes from The Cart track

    NOTES FROM THE CART TRACK   January 13th 2021

    The first ten days of the new decade has given us a little frost, rain, fog and sunshine but no gales yet.  At least leaving the European Union has not removed the variable British weather that we know and love!  As one who did not want to leave, I must say that I am very relieved that even a poor deal has been struck and we must now all forget what has been in the past and make the best of what is to come.  Some of the changes will be to our advantage, some will not.  It seems that leisure travel will be messier which may result in more people staying in the UK.  I hope that will not mean that our Suffolk roads will become much busier.  A brief Sunday trip to North Norfolk, in our motor home last July, was so dire because of congestion on the narrow lanes, that Stonham Aspal seemed the best place around for leisure activities.  It would appear that the quantity of folks walking, cycling, running and riding the footpaths on the farm since last March would indicate that others have the same idea.

    Since the last notes, the only work done on the land has been to mark out the cover crops ready for spraying off before spring sowing and to drill our neighbours ex-sugar beet land with wheat.  Conditions have been too wet to sow our two fields at Crowfield with oats.  If the land remains saturated  for the next month, that plan will have to be abandoned and beans put in instead.  Spraying off the cover crops will be a challenge.  They have grown very well through the wet warm autumn to the extent that, had the mixture been one we could harvest in some way, we would be highly delighted.  We now have to spray them with a hefty dose of round-up which needs a dry leaf to stick to.  Rather difficult to achieve with the very lush phacelia shielding the rye underneath.  Dry days in February tend to be accompanied by strong wind.  Not ideal spraying weather.

    Many sugar beet growers this year had the worst crops they have grown for many seasons.  Partly due to unfavourable weather conditions but also to the ban on neonicotinoid seed dressings which were used to protect the crop from aphid attack.  Aphids carry a virus which infects the plant with ‘sugar beet yellows’.  Many crops this year were badly affected and the sugar content was anything up to 25% less.  In some cases crops could have become unprofitable which in a high value crop like beet is very serious both to British Sugar ad the grower.  So neonics are being allowed again for one year but with stringent rules.  If a grower uses a neonic seed dressing on beet no flowering crop, such as beans, peas, linseed or a bird/pollinator mix can be grown for two year and no rape for 3 years on that field.  The powers that be are obviously not going to allow us to protect our rape crops in this way.   I have to say that I am very concerned about being pushed into using several doses of a kill all pyrethroid insecticide to try and protect the rape. This does not feel like sustainable farming.  Let’s hope that a better way can be found to grow a good safe oil producing crop for the UK

    David Tydeman

    ”Read

    Stonham Aspal Church

    ...... in line with Government instructions

    OUR CHURCH BUILDINGS ARE CLOSED

    except for Private Prayer, but the church community continues to flourish….on line….

    ROTA OF SERVICES FOR FEBRUARY 2021 

    ALL THE SERVICES ARE BENEFICE SERVICES ON ZOOM.

    CHURCH BUILDINGS ARE OPEN FOR PRIVATE PRAYER ONLY.

    To attend Zoom services please email reader.ruthdennigan@gmail.com at least 2 days beforehand and Ruth will send you an email with the link. You can ask for the link for just one service, or to be added to her list and receive the link for all future Zoom services.

    Wednesday 3 February

      9.00am Online Zoom Morning Prayer  

    Friday 5 February

      6.30pm Online Zoom Evening Prayer  

    Sunday 7 February: 2nd Sunday before Lent

    G 9.30am   Online Zoom   Morning Worship   Proverbs 8. 1, 22-31 Colossians 1. 15-20 John1. 1-14

    Wednesday 10 February

      9.00am Online Zoom Morning Prayer  

    Friday 12 February

      6.30pm Online Zoom Evening Prayer  

    Sunday 14 February: Sunday before Lent

    G 9.30am   Online Zoom   Morning Worship Kagera 2 Kings 2. 1-12 2 Corinthians 4. 3-6 Mark 9. 2-9

    Wednesday 17 February: Ash Wednesday

    P 7.00pm Online Zoom Reflective Service Isaiah 58. 1-12 2 Corinthians 5. 20b-6.10 John 8. 1-11

    Friday 19 February

      6.30pm Online Zoom Evening Prayer  

    Sunday 21 February: Lent 1

    P 9.30am   Online Zoom   Morning Worship   Genesis 9. 8-17 1 Peter 3. 18-22 Mark 1. 9-15

    Tuesday 23 February

      7.30pm Online Zoom Lent Group  

    Wednesday 24 February

      9.00am 10.00am Online Zoom Online Zoom Morning Prayer Lent Group  

    Friday 26 February

      6.30pm Online Zoom Compline  

    Sunday 28 February: Lent 2

    P 9.30am   Online Zoom   Morning Worship   Genesis 17. 1-7, 15-16 Romans 4. 13-25 Mark 8. 31-38  

    These services are correct at the time of going to press but there may be some changes.

    Please check on the weekly notice sheet.

    CHURCHES OPEN FOR PRIVATE PRAYER ONLY

    Coddenham:           Thursdays 8am – 5pm

    Creeting St Mary:    Sundays 2pm-4pm

    Creeting St Peter:    Sundays 10am-3pm

    Crowfield:               Sundays 10am-4pm

    Earl Stonham:      Sundays 12pm-4pm

    Gosbeck:                Wednesdays and Sundays 9am-6pm

    Hemingstone:         Every day

    Stonham Aspal:       Sundays 10am-4pm

    FROM THE RECTORY – A BEAUTIFUL DAY

    It has been a wonderful day.  White frost glistened in the golden sunlight.  Trees, dripping melting ice, stood boldly against a clear wintry-blue sky.  Birds busied themselves, no doubt making the most of the sun’s warmth after a miserable few days.  Although the thermometer read zero, there was a feeling of warmth in the sunlit air.  As we took our regulation walk, the beauty of it all lifted our spirits, and the spirits of all who we met on our travels.

    It is not only the sun which brings beauty and lifts the spirits.  In recent days a new neighbour has moved in.  Looking up from my desk one recent morning I saw on the drive, wings outstretched and with the sunlight catching on his rich brown coat, a kestrel; just a few yards from the study window.  Our seventh winter; and although we often see kestrels in the fields this is the first time that we have seen one in the Rectory garden.  He (or she we’re not sure which) has visited several times since then.  The kestrel is not the only new arrival.  Migrant blackbirds have arrived in force.  Every year in autumn, we gather windfall fruit around the base of our mighty pear tree.  There it gently ferments until the blackbirds arrive, then swiftly it vanishes.

    Now all is quiet.  The mist has risen, the sky turns grey and the temperature is falling; night will soon be upon us.  The daily news remains gloomy, the depths of winter are probably still to come but everywhere we look; across the garden and in the fields around us, there are signs of new life.  One swallow may not a summer make (and the swallows are still many months away) but a day like today lifts the soul.   The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. (Psalm 24:1).  Thank God that he shares its’ beauty with us.

    Rev Philip

    February 2021

    ”Read

    Notes from the cart track - January 2021

    The first ten days of the new decade has given us a little frost, rain, fog and sunshine but no gales yet. At least leaving the European Union has not removed the variable British weather that we know and love! As one who did not want to leave, I must say that I am very relieved that even a poor deal has been struck and we must now all forget what has been in the past and make the best of what is to come. Some of the changes will be to our advantage, some will not. It seems that leisure travel will be messier which may result in more people staying in the UK. I hope that will not mean that our Suffolk roads will become much busier. A brief Sunday trip to North Norfolk, in our motor home last July, was so dire because of congestion on the narrow lanes, that Stonham Aspal seemed the best place around for leisure activities. It would appear that the quantity of folks walking, cycling, running and riding the footpaths on the farm since last March would indicate that others have the same idea.

    Since the last notes, the only work done on the land has been to mark out the cover crops ready for spraying off before spring sowing and to drill our neighbours ex-sugar beet land with wheat. Conditions have been too wet to sow our two fields at Crowfield with oats. If the land remains saturated for the next month, that plan will have to be abandoned and beans put in instead. Spraying off the cover crops will be a challenge. They have grown very well through the wet warm autumn to the extent that, had the mixture been one we could harvest in some way, we would be highly delighted. We now have to spray them with a hefty dose of round-up which needs a dry leaf to stick to. Rather difficult to achieve with the very lush phacelia shielding the rye underneath. Dry days in February tend to be accompanied by strong wind. Not ideal spraying weather.
    Many sugar beet growers this year had the worst crops they have grown for many seasons.

    Partly due to unfavourable weather conditions but also to the ban on neonicotinoid seed dressings which were used to protect the crop from aphid attack. Aphids carry a virus which infects the plant with ‘sugar beet yellows’. Many crops this year were badly affected and the sugar content was anything up to 25% less. In some cases crops could have become unprofitable which in a high value crop like beet is very serious both to British Sugar ad the grower. So neonics are being allowed again for one year but with stringent rules. If a grower uses a neonic seed dressing on beet no flowering crop, such as beans, peas, linseed or a bird/pollinator mix can be grown for two year and no rape for 3 years on that field. The powers that be are obviously not going to allow us to protect our rape crops in this way. I have to say that I am very concerned about being pushed into using several doses of a kill all pyrethroid insecticide to try and protect the rape. This does not feel like sustainable farming.

    Let’s hope that a better way can be found to grow a good safe oil producing crop for the UK
    David Tydeman

    ”Read

    Mickfield Evangelical Church January 2020

    We’re all living in this same situation. We’re all trying to live our day-to-day lives. We’re all having to make difficult decisions. How does a Christian view what’s going on?

    For what it’s worth here’s a few ways we approach the virus:

    First up, we’re not surprised, but saddened. Sorry if that sounds glib. Or trite. It’s not meant to be. As Christian’s we believe that the world is fundamentally good. It’s God’s good creation. But it’s become a fallen and broken world. So, we know that we will experience illness, viruses, and sadness. And we are deeply moved and saddened by all that’s happening. It’s affected us personally in a variety of ways. Covid-19 is a particularly nasty virus. Perhaps you’ve felt that sense that this isn’t how life should be? That It’s just, not right? We’d agree. The world is not as it should be. It’s good, but broken. It’s beautiful, but disfigured. All at the same time.

    Next, we’re not passive, but active. I hope. As Christian’s we can’t just say “oh well never mind”. The bible teaches us to take great care around human life. To love our neighbour. To take steps to protect other people. To care for the vulnerable and needy in our society. We applaud our emergency services, our NHS, carers, all sorts of key workers and frontline health care professionals and so on. They do a fantastic job. We have a number of NHS workers in our church. And other key workers. Jesus came into our world of sadness’s and illnesses and viruses and had compassion on people. He healed people. He spent time with people. As a church, we’re being cautious and careful regarding all the basics of social distancing, hygiene, ventilation and so on. Currently we’re open on a Sunday for a very short, 30min, small-scale outdoor service. All our other meetings are held on Zoom. This situation is evolving all the time. We may find ourselves closed again. And as individuals, like you, we’re doing what we can to help others.

    Finally, perhaps most importantly, we’re not hopeless but hopeful. Personally, I have great confidence in the vaccine programme, and I hope that the lock-down and warmer weather will combine with this, alongside the valiant efforts of the NHS. And I hope the summer will bring better times. But I have a hope that isn’t built on my next holiday, or the NHS or the vaccine or even the total removal of Covid-19 from our lives. My hope is grounded in something much more secure. Something outside of all this. Something much more certain. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus. My solid foundation for life is this: that because he conquered death, I can have forever life. Ultimately that’s what gets me out of bed in the morning. That’s what’s getting me through this crisis. That’s something that nothing and no-one can take away. 

    Rich T

    ”Read

    Stonham Aspal Village Survey

    Have your say!
    Our Parish Survey is now available, please take a few moments to complete the survey, this will let the Parish Council know what is important to you.
    Ways to complete the survey:
    Facebook
    The link is available on the village Facebook page.
    Village Facebook page name: Stonham Aspal Village, Suffolk
    Website Link
    To have a link emailed to you, please email: sapc.clerk@yahoo.co.uk
    Paper Copy
    To request a paper copy, please email: sapc.clerk@yahoo.co.uk or call Alison on 07711019848.



    ”Read

    FROM THE RECTORY - FEBRUARY 2021

    From The Rectory – A Beautiful Day

    It has been a wonderful day.  White frost glistened in the golden sunlight.  Trees, dripping melting ice, stood boldly against a clear wintry-blue sky.  Birds busied themselves, no doubt making the most of the sun’s warmth after a miserable few days.  Although the thermometer read zero, there was a feeling of warmth in the sunlit air.  As we took our regulation walk, the beauty of it all lifted our spirits, and the spirits of all who we met on our travels.

    It is not only the sun which brings beauty and lifts the spirits.  In recent days a new neighbour has moved in.  Looking up from my desk one recent morning I saw on the drive, wings outstretched and with the sunlight catching on his rich brown coat, a kestrel; just a few yards from the study window.  Our seventh winter; and although we often see kestrels in the fields this is the first time that we have seen one in the Rectory garden.  He (or she we’re not sure which) has visited several times since then.  The kestrel is not the only new arrival.  Migrant blackbirds have arrived in force.  Every year in autumn, we gather windfall fruit around the base of our mighty pear tree.  There it gently ferments until the blackbirds arrive, then swiftly it vanishes.

    Now all is quiet.  The mist has risen, the sky turns grey and the temperature is falling; night will soon be upon us.  The daily news remains gloomy, the depths of winter are probably still to come but everywhere we look; across the garden and in the fields around us, there are signs of new life.  One swallow may not a summer make (and the swallows are still many months away) but a day like today lifts the soul.   The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. (Psalm 24:1).  Thank God that he shares its’ beauty with us.

    Rev Philip

    February 2021

    ”Read

    Dr Dan Poulter MP January 2021

    02 January 2021

    At the time of my writing, the Prime Minister has addressed the nation once more and we find ourselves living under further restrictions, with the current advice being to stay at home to stop the spread of coronavirus.

    Whilst there is no doubt that in fighting the old variant of the virus, our collective efforts were working, but we now face the added challenge of the new strain of the virus, which is between 50% and 70% more transmissible. This new strain has led to a rapid surge in infections, hospital admissions and increased case rates across the country, including here in Suffolk.

    If we are to protect our NHS and in turn, ourselves and our loved ones, we must all play our part and follow the guidance so that our NHS can focus on the herculean task of delivering the critical vaccination programme. It is the vaccination that will finally free us from this virus and the restrictions it brings to all our daily lives

    Vaccinations have already begun here in Suffolk and I have been lobbying Ministers and Public Health colleagues to ensure that we have adequate site provision here in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich. Our public health team and NHS colleagues here in Suffolk are working tirelessly to deliver the vaccines as quickly and efficiently as possible, to those most in need and I would echo their plea to ask residents not to block phone lines to GP surgeries or hospitals enquiring about when the vaccine might be available – residents will be contacted directly, in turn, and invited to attend their nearest site for vaccination.

    Whilst I and indeed, our Prime Minister, understand just how frustrating this latest lockdown is, it is vital that we all continue to take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and those most vulnerable in our communities and to slow the spread of the virus.  Again, I would like to thank each and every one of you who are continuing to play your part and following the rules – we’re all in this together and the sooner we stick with it, the sooner we can start to return to normal.

    It is vital that throughout lockdown, we continue to protect jobs and our local economy, and the Chancellor has unveiled further financial support for businesses and individuals.  Locally, the Suffolk Support and Advice Line can help with financial and employment advice - 0800 068 3131.  In addition, the Home But Not Alone free phoneline, supporting the most vulnerable in our communities is available via 0800 876 6926. Both lines are staffed from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

    As your MP, I shall always work hard for the people of Central Suffolk and North Ipswich and if there is anything I can help with, please get in touch via www.drdanielpoulter.co.uk

    ”Read

    Santa to visit Stonham Aspal

    We are hoping Santa will visit Stonham Aspal this Christmas Eve starting form Park farm at 6 PM on the Sleigh. We hope to be playing carols and going up as far as Mickfield.

    Please come and see us!

    ”Read

    Stonham Aspal Church December 2020

    Happy Christmas from St Mary and St Lambert

    STONHAM ASPAL and MICKFIELD

    Happy Christmas!

    ALL THE SERVICES ARE BENEFICE SERVICES. YOU ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND ZOOM SERVICES OR SERVICES IN ANY CHURCH BUILDING

    There may be changes to services due to Covid 19 regulations. More up to date information can be found on the weekly Pew Sheet. If you would like to be added to the email circulation please send your email address to lizandjohnince@gmail.com

    ZOOM SERVICES

    Sundays 9.30am Morning Worship
    Wednesdays 9.00am Morning Prayer
    Fridays   Sunday 20 December Monday 21 December Thursday 24 December  Christmas Eve Friday 25 December Christmas Day   6.30pm   6.30pm 7.00pm 4.00pm   10.00am Evening Prayer   Carol Service Longest Night Crib Service   Morning Worship for Christmas Day
    Zoom services

    In order to attend please email reader.ruthdennigan@gmail.com and Ruth will send you the link.

    BENEFICE SERVICE IN STONHAM ASPAL CHURCH

    Thursday 24 December Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Eucharist  
           
    Benefice service

    For services in the church building masks must be worn, social distancing will be practised, there will be no singing or refreshments. Please let Rev. Philip know by 6pm Tuesday 22 December if you intend to come to Midnight Eucharist on 01449711684 or revphilippayne@btinternet.com He will need your name, contact details and the number of people with you.

    CAROL SERVICES

    With the constraints of Covid we are still unable to sing in the church buildings, so we are planning two carol services across the Benefice. The first of these are Drive In Services on Sunday 13 December at the carpark by Gosbeck Village Hall at 2pm and 3.30pm. As the carpark can only hold a limited number of cars two services are planned. They will be identical, so you are only able to come to one or the other. The church band will lead the singing and you will be able to join in to your hearts content, but you will need to stay in your car which will be parked at a distance from the next ones. Booking a place will be essential so you will need to contact Philip by 6pm on Friday 11 December, informing him which service you wish to attend and giving him your name and the number of people there will be in your car.

    There will also be a Zoom Carol Service on Sunday 20 December at 6.30pm.  As you will be joining this service from your own home you will be able to sing as loudly as you like! Ask Ruth for the link by emailing reader.ruthdennigan@gmail.com if you are not already on her email list.  

    BLUE CHRISTMAS on the LONGEST NIGHT - 21 December

    There will be two services on this day, the first at 2.30pm in Earl Stonham Church. The second will be a repeat of it on Zoom at 7.00pm. This is a new venture and is for those who may be finding this Christmas difficult for whatever reason. It will be a short service of readings, prayers and music. Hopefully, it will bring some comfort and joy. There will be no singing in Earl Stonham Church, but you can join in with singing on the Zoom service. Everyone welcome, but please ensure you book with Philip two days before for the physical service or with Ruth, if you are not on her mailing list, for the Zoom service.

    CRIB SERVICE – Thursday 24 December, Christmas Eve

    A crib service with a difference! This time it will be on Zoom as we are still not able to accommodate large numbers in the church building. So, meet us at 4pm on Zoom and we will be telling the Christmas story in words and song. If you have your own nativity set have this with you so you can put the characters in place as we go along. If you would like to bring your teddy, dressed as a character from the story, with you please do and you will be able to hold them up to your screen during the service. It will be different, but hopefully fun! See you there. Don’t forget to let Ruth know you want to come to get the link!

    MIDNIGHT EUCHARIST on CHRISTMAS EVE in church

    11.30pm will see the church building brightly lit as we gather inside for our Midnight service of Holy Communion. There will be music, but no singing, In line with Covid regulations and masks will be worn. During the service there will be the opportunity to receive Communion, but only the bread. You will be able to remove your mask when you have returned to your seat in order to eat the bread.  Everyone welcome at this very different Midnight service.

    MORNING WORSHIP FOR CHRISTMAS DAY

    There will be two Christmas day services, one at Earl Stonham church and one on Zoom. Both will start at 10am. Please attend whichever you would like, but remember to book with Philip for the physical service or to let Ruth know you would like the link for Zoom if you are not on her regular mailing list.

    MESSAGE FROM THE CHURCHWARDENS

    As we come  to the end of the church’s financial year,  we would like to give you a ‘state of the union’ report on how we feel your church of St Mary and St Lambert has coped with the interruption of normal activities.  We have all missed the opportunities to meet in the church building to pray, sing and socialise together.  The Zoom services have been well attended and have been vital for collective worship to continue.  Some folks have enjoyed them so much that they will probably continue even when a new normality returns.  For the infirm and non-drivers, they have been a lifeline and have enabled us to meet people from other parishes and look forward to Benefice services in the future.

    We remain hopeful that our congregation will return when we are again allowed to hold services and social gatherings such as Coffee Inn.  But we have to face the possibility that some people will be unable to play as large a part in church life as they have done in the past.  We need some younger volunteers to help in the running of the church as many of us who are active in the work are well into our twilight years. The next ten years will see enormous changes as the super tanker of the Church of England responds to post Covid life.  The survival of the C of E worship in Stonham Aspal and Mickfield will depend on folks well under pensionable age, not the current organisers. 

    Finally, could we ask you to consider finance.  We have been unable to hold fund raising events this year.  Many have made extra donations to help us pay for insurance, heating, electricity and maintenance, plus our parish share, which funds our clergy, is approaching £800 a month.  We have a deficit of about £2,000 at present and we will probably not be able to resume normal services for several months.  Any donations would be very welcome, especially a regular contribution by standing order to:

    • Stonham Aspal and Mickfield P.C.C.
    • Sort Code:                   20-82-75
    • Account Number:       70836389

    If you pay UK Income Tax, please consider Gift Aiding your donation. This will enable the church to reclaim a further 25% from HMRC, details from James as below.

    Treasurer – James Mackintosh, Longshaw, The Street, Stonham Aspal

    Tel: 07780 575505                    email: mackintosh429@btinternet.com

    Thank you all and every blessing for what we hope will be a Joyful and Memorable Christmas

    David Tydeman and Alex Pratt  (Churchwardens)

    200 CLUB FUNDRAISER FOR STONHAM ASPAL VILLAGE HALL AND CHURCH

    Congratulations to the October 200 club draw winners.

    • 1st prize £50 no 62 Mr Cage
    • 2nd prize £20 no 207 M Jones
    • =3rd prize £15 no 60 J Mitson
    • =3rd prize £15 no 138 Mr Timms

    And congratulations to the November 200 club draw winners.

    • 1st prize £50 no 247 C Warren
    • 2nd prize £20 no 94 Southgate
    • =3rd prize £15 no 29 G Yates
    • =3rd prize £15 no 229 H Gardiner

    It is really good to be handing out more winnings, and the December draw will be the usual doubled prize money, with lucky winners receiving £100, £40, £30, £30.

    On writing this we only have around twelve subs outstanding, thank you to everyone who has paid direct into the bank, or put cash and cheques through my door. A special big thank you to those who have set up standing orders to pay for their subs each year, please, please if you wish to save paperwork, why not set one up ready for next year!

    For more details on joining this fundraiser please contact me on alexjenkinson@btopenworld.com or 01449 711393

    Alex Pratt

    Lock Down Ladies ……that once enjoyed Brunch!

    Hello, here we are again, zooming to keep in touch. In November I once again started up a zoom evening so that we can chat, see friendly faces and keep in contact. It’s open to anyone,  just as the Brunches were, but this is great because I don’t have to clean up beforehand…… but I am so looking forward to squeezing you in around the dining room table again…. and making Chelsea buns…… and cooking a big fry up. It will be very special when it does happen!!

    Never Zoomed before? It is easy. I send out an email on the day of the zoom which contains a link for you to click on. The first time you use zoom it will give you some extra details, but it is very straightforward. Why not give it a go. Contact me on alexjenkinson@btopenworld.com for you to be added to the email list.

    The zooms will be held on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, probably alternating between and it will last 40 minutes. You can join now and again, whenever it fits in with you.

    Bring along your cup of tea or a glass of good cheer as we keep in contact, keep supporting and growing a bigger circle of friends.

    Alex Pratt

    ”Read

    St Mary and St Lambert Stonham Aspal and Mickfield

    Every Sunday during September there will be Morning Worship via Zoom at 9.30am with midweek services of Morning Prayer on Tuesdays at 9am, and Evening Prayer on Fridays at 6.30pm. In order to ‘attend’ please email reader.ruthdennigan@gmail.com and Ruth will send you the link. You are invited to attend any service, on line or in any church building, they are all Benefice services open to everyone.

    SERVICES AT STONHAM ASPAL

    6 September 11.00am Holy Communion Please let Philip know by 6pm Saturday if you intend to come by 711684 or revphilippayne@btinternet.com
    27 September 2.30pm Harvest at the Farm  

    HOLY COMMUNION

    We look forward to welcoming you to the first service in our church building since lockdown. It will be at 11am on Sunday 6 September. Please stay 2m away from everyone who is not a member of your household and wear a face covering. We will meet you as you arrive and explain the seating arrangements and other details. An order of service will have been put on your seat by someone who has sanitised their hands. There will be music, but no singing. If you wish to take communion please come up the main aisle to the nave altar and stand at a distance while silently receiving the bread then use the side aisle to the right to return to your seat. At the end of the service leave by the south chancel door where there will be a plate for your offering and place your order of service in the box. Please maintain 2m distance from everyone as you leave.

    HARVEST AT THE FARM - Come as you are, in your car!

    Join in our drive-in Benefice Service to celebrate the end of the Harvest in a field at Broughton Hall on Sunday 27 September at 2.30pm. Drive to the service and park as directed a car’s width from the next car.  Stay in your car with your windows open to join in the fun. The Church Band will be providing the music and singing is encouraged! There will be more details on the pew sheet nearer to the time, or from Frankie frankie@moatfarm.online or David djtydeman@gmail.com

    CYCLE RIDE

    As things currently stand, this year’s Suffolk Historic Churches Trust Sponsored Ride and Stride will be taking place on Saturday 12 September, 9am-5pm.  The event will of course be different from normal with some churches possibly not open, no refreshments available and some churches with no recorders to welcome you. For sponsor forms or further information please call me on 01449 711443.

    Andrew Fuller

    200 CLUB – NEW SUBSCRIPTION YEAR

    As the new subscription year approaches we are very concerned about asking representatives to do door to door collections. So many of us are now familiar with online banking;  it would seem to be a good time to change our way of collecting your subscriptions.  The new system should make it easier for you to pay your subscription and make it safer for those who have collected it in the past.

    Hopefully by October when the first draw of the club’s new year takes place, you will be able to pay your subscription on-line or by popping cash through my letter box. You will receive further details by post and we thank you in anticipation of your continued support.

    The 200 Club draw takes place each month.  For an annual subscription of £12 you have one number which is entered into each monthly draw throughout the year. 1st prize £50, 2nd Prize £20, 2 equal 3rd Prizes of £15. In December the prize money is doubled!!!! All proceeds are divided between the Village Hall and the Church.

    If you are new to the village, or not yet a member, and would like to support the 200 Club, please contact me on alexjenkinson@btopenworld.com or 01449 711393

    200 CLUB WINNERS

      1st £50 2nd £20 3rd= £15 3rd=£15
    April 173 Mr & Mrs Goodenough    92 Mr & Mrs Smith    50 Mr D Morley          232 Mrs P Rout
    May 176 Mr D Tydeman 1 R Betts 72 Mr & Mrs Ryland 104 Mr N Garnham
    June 129 E Kerry 228 C Francis 82 Mr A Sutton 86 E Williams
    July 23 Mr & Mrs Gamble 128 A Bloom 63 Mr R Tydeman 211 Mrs L Moody

    ”Read

    Community Council Update

    As you will see the magazine is now back…..for the time being. Just in case the printers have to close again, all articles and announcements will be put on the village Facebook page and this website - as they have been over the past few months.

    Subscriptions

    The annual subscription is usually collected in March, and I know for a few of you, this did happen. For everyone else, please note that your subscription will be collected in January and this will be for the new year. For those of you who have already paid, your payment will be carried forward to the new year.

    Autumn Lunch

    Very sadly, this has been cancelled for this year. As soon as we are able, we will advise you of the new date.

    Santa’s Sleigh

    The good news is that Santa has confirmed that he will be visiting the village on Christmas Eve, but has a few logistical problems to resolve beforehand! His elves are working on these and depending on the rules and regulations that are in force in December, it may be Santa will only stop in a few central areas in the village to deliver presents. Santa has promised to let us have regular updates, and these will be included in the October and November magazines.

    ”Read

    Fibre Poll now closed

    Thanks for your inputs, the bid is now with Openreach for consideration. A map of the properties who submitted inputs is attached.

    Areas requesting FTTP

    ”Read

    Fibre?

    Do you want much faster and reliable Broadband?

    BT Openreach have now accepted that we are interested in a Community Fibre Project for the Village. I now have 15 days to enter details of interested people and properties. There is NO OBLIGATION if you express interest. There is fibre in Mill Green, but not in Stonham Aspal Village.

    The plan is to get Fibre direct to every property, using your existing provider (at their standard normal cost), to give you speeds of 300 Mbps. The data is what they require, except for the Email which I will use to keep in contact with updates.

    Please fill in the form here to help us ...

    ”Read

    Village Hall and Tennis Court News

    STONHAM ASPAL VILLAGE HALL

    The Village Hall is now open. It has been a difficult time for everyone dealing with Covid-19 but the committee have agreed that the main hall is now available to hire for some events.  There is a restriction on the number of people allowed in the hall, but this is being monitored and in line with Government Guidelines.  At the moment the kitchen and committee room will be closed and not available for hire.

    If you would like to hire the village hall then please contact me on the number below to discuss your requirements.

    Tennis Courts       

    Thank you to everyone who has renewed their membership this year. Membership this year has been extremely popular, and we now only have a couple of spaces left. I hope everyone has enjoyed the summer season of Tennis and that we have some good weather during the Autumn so that everyone can continue to use the court.

    Maria Tydeman

    on behalf of Stonham Aspal Village Hall

    01449 711530

    ”Read

    Friends of Debenham Library July 20 - Update to last post

    Friends of Debenham Library

    Debenham Library is open with a limited number of services. Mobile libraries are operating but the home library service remains suspended. Reservations have now resumed.

    • You can email debenham.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk or phone the library 01728 861940 during opening hours for a selection of titles for collection. Alternatively you can fill in the form at www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/select-and-collect.
    • There is browsing of books or use of computers, nor printing, faxing or photocopying.
    • All DVD and CD loans are free
    • You can use the Advanced Search at https://suffolk.spydus.co.uk to check which titles are available at Debenham. Under “location”, choose or tick Debenham.
    • When you have finished with your books, please put them in our black bin outside the library.  Books borrowed before lockdown have been renewed automatically until 1st September.

    Meanwhile you can still use all our online services for free audiobooks, ebooks, films and other services. Use your library card at  www.suffolklibraries.co.uk for more details.

    Summer Reading Challenge 2020

    This year the Summer Reading Challenge, children aged 4 to 11, will be organised online. You will need to register at www.sillysquad.org.uk. Books can be borrowed from the library (see above), or you can use eBooks or audiobooks, or books from your school.  

    School corner, Debenham IP14 6PL (next to the Primary School). Opening hours:

    Tuesday:     0930 am – 1300 pm        Wednesday : 1500  – 1930 pm

    Saturday:     0900 am – 1300 pm        Sunday:         1200 – 1600 pm

    Tel: 01728 861940      www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/libraries/debenham-library
    Facebook: @DebenhamLibraryFriends

    School corner, Debenham IP14 6PL (next to the Primary School).

    ”Read

    Ladies that Brunched July 2020

    Ladies that Brunched!

    Hello Ladies, I hope to be able to send an email around one day in August to say that I am hosting a 'thing' in the garden. I am not sure what the 'thing' is yet. It may not be a social distanced sit down knife and folk meal but perhaps an afternoon tea, coffee and cake, some sort of gathering where we can come together once more.

    Whilst we have not been able to physically come together we have been zooming each week on a Tuesday evening. Many thanks to Helen Brookson for getting this off the ground. We have no idea how long we will keep zooming for, but whilst there is a need we shall carry on. This is open to anyone, please don't feel that you have had to come to a Brunch to be able to join. If you are not use to zoom, you receive an invitation in the form of a email with a link to click on. The first time you use it, zoom will be downloaded on to your device, and you are ready to go. It is so very easy! Please let me know if you would like to receive an invitation to join our chats on alexjenkinson@btopenworld.com

    I am very aware that the finances at our church have been affected by this pandemic, so what ever event I hold, there will be a donation pot for church funds.

    Looking forward to sharing our garden with you. Alex xx

    ”Read

    Notes from The Cart Track July 2020

    July 2020 Notes from The Cart track

    The last couple of days have seen a cloudy, showery period with just over an inch of rain.  Very welcome indeed.  Evidence of it, in puddles on the Cart Track, will probably been gone by Monday but the beans, in particular, will benefit from it a lot.  Although the crop is short it has flowered very well and hopefully the bees from Cedar Lodge will make the most of the sunny weather to work their magic.  The upper pods appear to be filling well and the lower flowers have set pods, albeit very small at the moment.  Hopefully, this rain will allow them to fill as well.  Beans are very weather dependant crop and it is notoriously difficult to predict what yield will result.  They are far more fickle than cereals or sugar beet and are a prime example of weather being all powerful where profits are concerned, regardless of the skill of the farmer or the shininess of his expensive machinery.

    Harvest is not more than 10 days away for some of our neighbours and I expect that some light land barley will be cut next week.  I am glad that we have had a cools showery week which will allow the crops more time to ripen naturally rather than die off.  It tends to help grain quality a bit.  We should be taking delivery of a new John Deere combine any day. Same model as before but many improvements that should make harvest more efficient.  It is fitted with the latest satellite guidance equipment which allows it to record yield and produces yield maps which will be recorded on our own arable management programme.  The programme can instruct the fertilizer spreader to vary rates depending on historical yield data and also control seeding rates on our drill to give us more efficient use of seed and fertilizer.  We have just been informed that the variable rates part of the software is not ready yet.  Somewhat worrying when it will be needed in seven weeks’ time.  It’s a bit like buying a new car and being told the windscreen wipers don’t work but will do at some point in the future.  No repayment of purchase price has been suggested yet but the dealer will lend us a controller until ours is ready.  I expect it has a virus – or its manufacturer has. 

    Other equipment servicing is nearly done although we are still waiting for one set of earth wearing parts to arrive.  They were ordered in March as we were anticipating delays in delivery and to be fair we were given an end of June delivery date at the time.  In general the machinery dealerships have done a very good job in coping with all the problems of lockdown.  There are several cases of parts being incorrectly supplied but I think this is a problem which is common to automotive and truck part suppliers as well.  Machines have just become so complex and specifications change so frequently that it has become impossible for suppliers to stock every part.  The longer the chains of supply, the more chance there is of mistakes happening.  The moral of the story seems to be do not leave any repairs or servicing to the last minute or you may be disappointed.

    David Tydeman 

    ”Read

    Debenham Library News

    Friends of Debenham Library

    Debenham Library is open with a limited number of services. Mobile libraries are operating but the home library service remains suspended.

    • There will be no reservations, browsing or use of computers, nor printing or photocopying
    • Customers will be able to email debenham.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk or phone the library 01728 861940 during opening hours for a selection of titles for collection. Alternatively you can fill in the form at www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/select-and-collect.
    • All DVD and CD loans will be free
    • You can use the Advanced Search at https://suffolk.spydus.co.uk to check which titles are available at Debenham. Under “location”, choose or tick Debenham.
    • When you have finished with your books, please put them in our black bin outside the library.  All items have been renewed automatically until August.

    Meanwhile you can still use all our online services for free audiobooks, ebooks, films and other services. Use your library card at  www.suffolklibraries.co.uk for more details.

    Summer Reading Challenge 2020

    This year the Summer Reading Challenge, children aged 4 to 11, will be organised online. You will need to register at www.sillysquad.org.uk. Books can be borrowed from the library (see above), or you can use eBooks or audiobooks.  

    School corner, Debenham IP14 6PL (next to the Primary School). Opening hours:

    Tuesday:     0930 am – 1300 pm        Wednesday : 1500  – 1930 pm

    Saturday:     0900 am – 1300 pm        Sunday:         1200 – 1600 pm

    Tel: 01728 861940      www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/libraries/debenham-library
    Facebook: @DebenhamLibraryFriends

    School corner, Debenham IP14 6PL (next to the Primary School).

    ”Read

    Mickfield Evangelical Church July 2020

    Rich Tearle (Pastor) Tel: 710101 (Church Office)  mickfieldec@gmail.com or rich.tearle.mec@gmail.com

    For latest service info/times please see the website.

    Question Everything!

    A while ago I encountered someone in Suffolk wearing a rather striking T-shirt. You’ve guessed the slogan: “Question Everything”. I have good reason to believe that the wearer was of an atheist persuasion. And I know that for many these two words mean a lot. We ought to question everything. We ought to scrutinise and check everything. Of course, we’re all busy and we rarely stick to this principle. However, throughout my life I have noticed that there is a running assumption in the UK that Christians have not questioned everything. Christians have taken a blind leap of faith. Christians have shut their eyes to plain facts. Nothing could be further from the truth! My experience is that I/we have questioned everything. I’ve asked my questions, and I’ve found answers. In fact, in finding answers I’ve found more questions as well! I would encourage everyone to ask their questions and look for answers. We’re attempting to answer some big questions through our regular short videos on YouTube. Why not take a look and post any questions you may have for us? We’d love to hear from you and respond. Let’s start a conversation…

    A special note: We are working on what church looks like for us, given the new government guidelines. If you’d like to see what we’re about you’re very welcome to join us we continue our online services on our YouTube channel ‘Mickfield Evangelical Church’. They premiere at 10am Sunday morning and are still available afterwards. We also produce many other short videos that look at all sorts of ideas and questions regarding Christianity, all available there as well as on Facebook and Instagram.

    Rich T

    ”Read

    Mickfield - June 2020

    Rich Tearle (Pastor) Tel: 710101 (Church Office)  mickfieldec@gmail.com or rich.tearle.mec@gmail.com

    For latest service info/times please see the website.

    In The Public Eye

    Our politicians have been very much in the public eye over these last weeks. They’ve been subject to the scrutiny that we expect in a liberal democracy. As Christian’s we believe Jesus of Nazareth ought to remain in the public eye too. His life and claims ought to be subject to public scrutiny. Christianity has long lived in the public square in this country.

    The church in the UK cannot meet publicly at the moment, but the Christian message is more in the public eye than ever, and people are taking the opportunity to look into what goes on within churches through their social media accounts.

    Why not take a look at some of our recent videos? We’re on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. We recently posted a 3-part series entitled ‘3 Reasons we Believe’. We first considered The Monty Python reason, taking a look at the staggering impact of Jesus on our country. We’ve explored how Christianity makes sense of our complex and messy world, in The C.S. Lewis reason. In the final instalment we’re now taking a look at The Jesus reason. Have you scrutinised the man and his message?

    Here’s a link to watch “The Jesus Reason”:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xu-vNeiqHVs

    If you missed “The Monty Python Reason” or “The C.S. Lewis Reason” take a look here:

    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRfWzUY6S0yPxErgfxceqfzdY7EzqAW6r

    You may also be interested in our latest series: ‘5 Reasons to dismiss Christianity’. Which can be found here:  

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-9cVTdPrhM&list=PLRfWzUY6S0yPhgq423_rJdKVzACANrnEq&index=5

    If you’d like to check out our family services or some of our short thought for the day/daily devotional videos they can be found on our YouTube channel here:

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNxzRUVD5_1ynfaj_ASXutg

    Rich T

    ”Read

    Notes from the Cart Track - June 2020

    Friday 12th June 2020

    Notes from the cart track

    The wet few days we have just had, were very welcome indeed.  We have recorded just over 24mm which, combined with overcast humid conditions, will allow the rain to be absorbed by the crops before it evaporates.  At the risk of being called a misery, I wish it had been twice or three times as much!  The greetings of the many cart track walkers passing through the farmyard have been interesting.  There have been many grimaces when folks have been caught by heavy showers.  When I point out that the rain is needed for the crops to grow for food, the common reaction is, “Yes I know but I am walking the dog.”  The Arabs have a saying – All sunshine makes the desert – very true.

    Wheat crops are looking promising and every shower will help grain fill in the ears.  The prolonged dry spell has given us very little disease to worry about so far.  Keeping the flag leaf clear of fungal infection is very important.  This is the final and largest leaf of the cereal plant to emerge and provides 40% of the end yield of the plant.  When it is working at its hardest during the long hours of daylight at present it is truly the power house of the arable farm and is quite literally providing our bread and butter.  The rain and sun are also benefitting the spring barley which has transformed itself from disastrous to bad since the rain.  The jury is still out on the spring beans as they have an extra 2 or 3 weeks longer than the other crops to reach maturity.  More rain and sun over the next fortnight will improve matters a lot. 

    With no Suffolk Show, Cereal Exhibition, crop trials or holidays to get in the way, we have been plugging on with lots of routine maintenance jobs which have been pending for quite a while.  Hedge cutter and grass topper have been treated to new sets of flails and had guards repaired and a couple of leaking hydraulic rams resealed.  The main elevator in the grain store has been showing its 60years of active service for a few years now so we have taken all the cups off the drive belts ready for the skilled team at Bloomfield’s, in Debenham, to replace the 48metres of belts.  All we have to do then is to bolt the 384 cups back on to the belts.

    On the wildlife front it has been a very enjoyable spring.  Whether the lockdown has given us time to watch, or the sunny weather and warm winter has been beneficial to resident creatures, we have seen a lot.  Our barn owl box has 3 chicks in it and there seems to have been plenty of food for them.  In the garden we have enjoyed the antics of a family of Great Spotted Woodpeckers at the peanut feeders, and seen hedgehogs, muntjac and foxes with our camera trap and during the day.  Turtle doves seem to be favouring the area close to the farm buildings and churchyard this year and butterflies and bees are making the most of the clover and vetches on our lawn ( or what we call a lawn!)  there have been some glorious sunsets seen through a pint of Farmers Flagon ruby ale from St Peter’s Brewery.  I look forward to being able to share these sentiments in the future.

    David Tydeman

    ”Read

    Dr. Dan Poulter newsletter

    May 2020

    The COVID-19 pandemic has changed all of our lives.  Britain has been forced to implement restrictions and new rules that our country has not experienced since the Second World War.  Many people are still working from home and we remain unable to freely see people that we love and care about. But these ongoing measures are necessary to halt the spread of the virus and to protect lives.

    Our Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has recently announced the Government’s intention to take the first careful steps in modifying some of the restrictions facing our daily lives and these remain under constant review.  However, it remains vitally important that we all continue to respect and follow Government advice so that we don’t risk a second wave of infection.  A second wave would have devastating consequences for our NHS and for our economy. In my view, it is essential that we continue to be led by the scientific evidence, which dictates which restrictions can start to be lifted and when.

    We must all continue to play our part in helping prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus by:

    • Maintaining social distancing - keeping at least 2 metres apart from people who are not from your own household helps to protect each other and reduces the spread of the virus;

    • Ensuring good hand hygiene - thoroughly washing your hands and wrists before eating and when returning home after leaving the house is particularly important to protect yourself from catching the virus;

    • And to protect others, it is important NOT to leave home if you or anyone in your household has Coronavirus symptoms

    Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, my office and I have continued to work hard on behalf of everyone in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, helping people to access personal and business financial support, and also helping a great many people who were stranded overseas as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic to return home.  I continue to ask probing Parliamentary questions of our Government about its response to the pandemic and continue to raise issues that matter to us here in Suffolk in Parliament and directly with Government ministers.

    I will always do my very best for the people of Central Suffolk and North Ipswich and if there is anything with which I can help, please get in touch with me.   My website also has up to date, helpful information so do please check there:  www.drdanielpoulter.com

    As ever, I would like to close by paying tribute to my NHS colleagues, the Police and the many others on the frontline of our public services who are putting others before themselves to help in this crucial fight against Coronavirus.

    ”Read

    10 Village News - June 2020

    Now available - click on the picture below

    ”Read

    Church Lighting appeal

    Flood lighting appeal

    Since we installed floodlights to light the church during winter evenings, we have made disposable money boxes available for spare change as a relatively painless way of funding them.  This has been very successful.  However, this year, we feel that a shopping trip to try to purchase disposable cans and the difficulty of handing them out with the church closed, make this operation unwise.  Also many people are using cash very little this year and so spare change may not be forthcoming.  Please could we ask our congregation to find suitable containers and make a donation which will be collected at the Harvest Worship for All service, assuming that we have one.  If we are still not gathering on the 2nd Sunday in October we will make other arrangements.  Thank you very much in anticipation.

    David Tydeman   and Alex Pratt       Churchwardens

    ”Read

    Notes from the Cart Track May 2020

    Saturday 16th May

    Notes from the cart track

    The dry April has seamlessly continued into a dry May and crops are desperately needing a rain and some warm nights.  The night-time frosts we have had lately are proving difficult in the vegetable garden and I am quite relieved to have no sugar beet to worry about.  May and tree blossom seems to be good but with insect eating birds nesting I hope that a bit of warmth and a shower will bring more blossom in the various bits of conservation mixtures we have sown ready for the chick feeding.

    The wheat crop looks reasonably good in general and provided we get a couple of inches of rain to fill the grains in June it should be ok.  Spring barley is poor.  the dry April has caused some germinating seed to fail to emerge from cloddy seed beds.  The least bad field is the one we tried out a cover crop on which will encourage us to repeat the process next year.  The oil radish component of the mixture may have help to prevent the soil becoming consolidated by the rain and lack of frost.  There was certainly no problem with sowing though the residue.  Spring beans being sown deeper and more robust plants have emerged well and should produce a reasonable result if weather conditions are favourable.

    How has lockdown and social distancing affected us?  Broadly speaking, our style of arable farming has continued more or less as normal.  Chemical and fertilizer deliveries have not been affected so far.  We have been able to get any building materials and spare parts that are needed although understandably delivery times are much longer and in the case of machinery dealers.  We have to go and collect from a box outside the stores.  Dust masks to use in the grain-store have quadrupled in price and delivery before harvest is not guaranteed.  Delivery drivers and store staff of the companies we work with have been help and careful without exception. 

    We have seen a large increase in exercisers and dog walkers on the farm.  The sunny weather has obviously encouraged this which is very good to witness.  On an average day we get 50 – 60 folks out with at least half of these coming through the farmyard.  Sam has put up some new signs showing what is supposed to be growing where and indicating which areas we are trying to leave disturbance free for conservations purposes.  Thank you all for respecting these.  We have had very few causes for concern.  We do still have some loose dogs going into the growing crops.  I don’t think their owners realise that skylarks are on nests at the moment and a Labrador blundering past is not conducive to chick survival.  We have several pairs close to the main footpaths.  I hope that next year we will have even more.

    David Tydeman

    ”Read