Noticeboard for Chediston and Linstead

 

In this section you will find all Notices that would be found on the Notice Boards in our Villages with the exception of Parish Council Agendas and Minutes - (see separate tab). Those responsible for placing Notices on the Village Notice Boards and wishing to publish on this website should click on the link: Contact Webmaster to ensure that your Notice is published here.

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Local Weather

Click on the link to check out the local forecast - Our Weather

Traffic

Constantly updated road traffic delays - www.highways.gov.uk/traffic/11278.aspx
Click on the RSS (orange) box to open information, with maps
 

General Notices

The following Notices are applicable to both Chediston and Linstead

For specific Parish Notices - click on the sub-menus to your village

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A Message From David & Janet Mantell

Following our recent relocation from Chediston, may we take the opportunity to thank the very many villagers from Chediston and Linstead who have sent us housewarming cards, messages and phone calls wishing us well.

We have started to settle in to our new home but will continue to check the website and its Facebook page to see how you are all doing.

So thank you all again and we look forward to seeing the many of you who have expressed an interest in visiting us.

Take care - you will always be in our thoughts and hearts!

David & Janet

Free Cycle Security Event

 

Congratulations to Duncan Metherell of Linstead!

Duncan was awarded the bronze medal in the under 16 boys epee event at the Eastern Region Youth fencing championships in Stevenage on 26^th January, securing him a place at the National Championships in Birmingham in May. Not only did he win this event, but he was also provisionally earmarked to be part of the Eastern Region Team to participate in the Winton Cup, which is held annually in Somerset. We wish him every success in May!

 

David & Janet Mantell

We shall be leaving our home at Rosecroft Farm, Chediston shortly after the end of this month and moving out of the area. As you probably know we have several responsibilities in the Parish (Parish Website, Website Facebook page, Chediston Charity, Chediston Social Fund, Church Fabric Officer, Chediston Marquees hire etc., Father Christmas, Chediston Neighbourhood Watch).  The majority of these roles have now fortunately been allocated to others who have kindly agreed to take over such responsibilities (except for Father Christmas!).

We have thoroughly enjoyed our last 20 years or so here and particularly the wonderful friendships that we have formed. We now move to a new adventure but will always warmly remember our time in Suffolk.

David & Janet Mantell

PS.  May we thank all of those who have posted kind words and thanks to us on the website's Facebook page.  We are not reprinting them here on the main website but very many sincere thanks to you all!

 

Chediston and Linstead Parish Website - New Webmaster

Due to Janet and I shortly relocating our home, I am stepping down from being your webmaster for the Chediston and Linstead Parish Council website and as the administrator for its Facebook page.  I have found a very able person who is bravely going to take over my role.  As with any new person taking on new responsibilities I would earnestly request that they are given time to adjust to the role and villagers should have some patience and consideration whilst they get into the swing of the job.

I will be maintaining access to the website and its Facebook page on a very temporary basis so that I can assist as required.  If you wish to contact the website, please remember to do so using the website’s email address, chedlinweb@gmail.com, rather than my personal email!

May I take this opportunity of thanking all those of you who have supported me in running the website by contributing reports and photos.

David Mantell

 

 

Results of the 100 Club Draw October- December 2019

100 club draw on Sunday 22nd December at Linstead Carol Service

October - 1st - £15 - D.Keable

                 2nd - £10 - V. Heath

                 3rd - £5 - G. Heath

November - 1st - £15 - D. Keable

                    2nd - £10 - H. Vincent

                    3rd - £5 - P. Sands

December - 1st - £15 - J. Parsons

                    2nd - £10 - P. Miller

                    3rd - £5 - D. Mantell

Profit payable to respective churches:

Linstead (58 members) - £109.56

Chediston (23 members) - £43.44

 

A Message From the Friends of St. Mary's Halesworth

Lunchtime Recitals

The Friends would like to thank the many people who have supported the lunchtime recitals held in the church for five years now. With the removal of the pews and new electrics the church is wonderfully light and open and the sound of the music soars up to the roof. We are grateful too, to the players who give their time and playing to help us towards our regeneration target. In December the Red Barn Chamber Orchestra again entertained us with a wonderfully varied programme of Christmas music.

In 2020, Season 6 will continue with a recital at 12.30 in the church on the second Wednesday of every month apart from January and September. Picnic in the pews from 12md – buy from our pop-up café or bring your own. We open the season on 12 February and welcome back American Ukrainian concert pianist Roman Rudnytsky whose performances take him all over the world.   

If you would like your email added to our recitals mailing list, please email friendsofstmarys@talktalk.net or facebook.com/FriendsOfStMarysHalesworth

The Friends of St Mary’s actively fund-raise to support the regeneration work in the church.  

Will you help us? Contact us by email: friendsofstmarys@talktalk.net or through the church office:  T - 01986 875941

 

 

TerraCycle

Will Oldham writes:

It's not strictly a village event but some villages are already involved/bringing along stuff they can't always put in their blue bins.

We are also collecting cartons/TetraPaks with are no longer allowed in the blue bin and would otherwise go to landfill.

For more info www.TerraCycle.com

It's not strictly a village event but some villages are already involved/bringing along stuff they can't always put in their blue bins.

We are also collecting cartons/TetraPaks with are no longer allowed in the blue bin and would otherwise go to landfill.

For more info www.TerraCycle.com

 

More News From Cutlers Hill Surgery

Dear Patient

We always like to know how we can improve our service for you, and how you perceive our surgery and staff.

To help us with this, we have a Patient Participation Group (PPG), which is open to all patients of the Cutlers Hill Surgery.

The group meets at the surgery, usually 6 times per year.  The business varies but an annual survey of patients is an important part of what the PPG does and will do.  Meetings are informal and welcoming.

We are looking for new volunteers from all sections of the community, but especially young people and those of working age.

If you are interested in joining our PPG, please contact Cutlers Hill Surgery on (01986) 874618 and speak to either the receptionist or the management team. 

We would love to have you on board!

Phone us on (01986)  874618

Or email us on cutlers.docman.nhs.net
 

 

Information from Friends of St. Mary's Halesworth

Lunchtime Recitals: Season 5 
The Friends lunchtime recitals continue at 12.30 in the church on the second Wednesday of every month apart from January and September. Picnic in the pews from 12md. 
In November we heard Yalda Davis, who in 2017 started a project to play her cello in all of Suffolk’s 500 medieval churches.  So far she has played in over 350 and this now includes St.Mary's (number 359!), where the audience was privileged to hear her together with pianist James Recknell play a programme of Cello Music through the Ages.  Bach’s Viola da Gamba sonata no. 1 in g major represented baroque music and was followed by Beethoven’s theme and seven variations on the well-known duet by Pamina and Papageno from Mozart’s Magic Flute.  Bringing us into the twentieth century, Yalda and James next gave us the sprightly rhythms of de Falla’s Suite Populaire Espagnole, arrangements of traditional Spanish folksongs.  The Slovak variations composed late in his life by Martinu brought the recital to a lively conclusion.  Follow Yalda’s cello adventures at crosswaysfarm.co.uk/tag/suffolk-churches.
Do join us for the 5th Christmas recital by the Red Barn Chamber Orchestra on December 11th. If you would like your email added to our recitals mailing list, please email friendsofstmarys@talktalk.net or facebook.com/FriendsOfStMarysHalesworth 

Christmas Trees
Once again local groups will have Christmas trees displayed in St Mary’s from Saturday 23 November and throughout December. Halesworth Festive Lights will be switched on that Saturday and Santa will be in his grotto from 2-3.30 and from 5.30, with children’s activities during the afternoon. Do come along and vote for your favourite tree – the most popular tree may even make it onto next year’s 2020 Christmas card! 

The Friends of St Mary’s actively fund-raise to support the regeneration work in the church.  
Will you help us? Contact us by email: friendsofstmarys@talktalk.net or through the church office:  T - 01986 875941

 

 

Therese Coffey MP's Newsletter - October 2019

Please find below my latest newsletter covering issues I’ve been dealing with and events I have attended since August. I also update my website www.theresecoffey.co.uk and Facebook regularly. Please note I have changed provider of website and the layout is similar but not identical to before, which may lead to some previous links not working.

Since my last newsletter, I was asked by the Prime Minister to be the Secretary of State for Work & Pensions. While I will much miss being the Environment Minister with responsibility for climate adaptation, my new department looks after around a third of all government spending and has about 85,000 civil servants who are focused on helping people into work, as well as people with disabilities and pensioners. I am sure that my experience as a former finance director will help me in this big job as well as my experience and learning I’ve gained in helping constituents here in Suffolk.

If you no longer wish to receive the newsletter, there is a link to unsubscribe below. Do include your email address so that we can remove you.
1. Energy/Environment:

Sizewell C: I responded to the fourth stage of consultation on Sizewell C. I hosted a public meeting in Leiston, which 140 or so constituents attended. It is fair to say that the majority of people attending were either opposed to nuclear power or opposed to the building of Sizewell C. The biggest issues discussed were transport and the environment. There were some questions on the financing model too. Rather than putting more pressure on our road network, of the options presented, I am keenest on the rail-led option. It is also really important when assessing these huge energy infrastructure projects that we consider the cumulative impact on local communities, which is why I have secured a meeting with the new Energy Minister, Kwasi Kwarteng discuss that very issue.

 

Alde and Ore Estuary: I was pleased to work with the Alde and Ore Estuary Partnership and bring together key figures from infrastructure and utility companies to discuss the latest plans on the pioneering flood prevention proposals to upgrade river walls. The community and local landowners are really engaged in how best to protect this amazing area from flooding and we had a good discussion on how to work with large companies with key infrastructure assets. I was pleased such senior executives attended and I am confident that further detailed discussions will follow.
 
Climate Change and Marine Protection: At the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York this September, the Prime Minister announced that the UK is committing to double its investment on international climate finance to help developing countries turn the tide against climate change. With the effects of climate change being seen all around the world, we have to step up our actions. Doubling our support will benefit the world’s poorest countries, preserve our vital biodiversity and protect our planet.

As another part of the government’s commitment to leave the environment in a better state than we inherited it, an independent review to introduce Highly Protected Marine Areas has been launched. The review has been asked to recommend whether and how HPMAs could be introduced within English inshore and offshore waters and decide potential locations for pilot sites. A call for evidence has now been launched, closing on the 31st October. I am particularly keen for our local fishermen to be able to share their views, which can be given here - Call for Evidence Submission
2. Health & Care:

Felixstowe Hospital Minor Injuries Unit: Following the public meeting I hosted earlier this year, the Clinical Commissioning Group’s Chief Officer, Ed Garratt, updated me that the majority of booking issues affecting Felixstowe Minor Injuries Unit seem to have been ironed out. He justified this by the fact that there had been no complaints made about booking issues over the summer. That said, I have still received some complaints and Dr Garratt has advised that if people are still experiencing issues, they should make a formal complaint via the Suffolk GP Federation at - Complaint Contact Information.

Ambulance Service: I hosted two meetings for MPs in Parliament to discuss the latest Care Quality Commission report on the East of England Ambulance Trust, which received yet another 'Requires Improvement' rating. First, we heard directly from the CQC about the failures of leadership and how action was being taken by NHS Improvement. Interim CEO of the ambulance service, Dorothy Hosein and Medical Director, Dr Tom Davis, then answered detailed questions on what they are doing to implement the CQC recommendations. The CQC does not think a risk summit for patient safety is needed but there does need to be an ongoing culture change and improved governance. Changes are being made, that a new Chair and board are being recruited and that handover delays at hospitals have almost been eliminated, with the Interim Chief Executive taking personal control of that. That said, I still have serious concerns on behalf of patients. Response times in our part of Suffolk are still not good enough, there is a culture of bullying and harassment, as identified by the CQC, that is causing significant recruitment and retention issues.

I have also met the health minister, Ed Argar, asking him to assess the break-up of the trust into 2 or 3 smaller services. Currently, this is the only ambulance trust rated as inadequate for leadership and while the Minister does not intend to instigate the break-up of the service, this is very much on his agenda to get resolved.

 
CCG Merger: I’ve wrote to all GP practices and Patient Participation Groups in the northern part of Suffolk Coastal, to seek their views on the proposed merger of Great Yarmouth & Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group with Norfolk’s four other CCGs. I also responded to the consultation with my concerns. My recent experience of Great Yarmouth and Waveney is one which has let patients down in Halesworth, Southwold, Reydon and the surrounding rural area by not doing what they promised on improving care for patients before closing down the two community hospitals. I am concerned that this part of Suffolk may receive even less attention than it does now and that our small part of Suffolk would be well down the priorities of this super CCG. I have heard back from one practice (Sole Bay) who are keen to be part of the super CCG because of the patient flows to James Paget Hospital especially.
3. Education:

Felixstowe Academy: From the beginning of September, Felixstowe Academy has been run by the Unity Schools Partnership rather than AET. This was a change I campaigned for and worked endlessly in Westminster to secure.  New leadership is now in place at the school. I was pleased to visit and talk through the changes made with the CEO and leaders. There is a firm commitment to boost the school to achieve good status within 3 years. It is likely there will be an Ofsted inspection in the next month or so which will be a good starting assessment on where independent inspectors will judge what needs to be improved.

Children’s Centres: With Cllr Chris Mapey, I met Cllr Gordon Jones (Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member) to discuss the proposed closure of Caterpillar Centre in Woodbridge. I am pleased that he has agreed to visit Woodbridge to discuss this further.  I also took the opportunity to raise the situation in Halesworth.  While there is no consultation underway yet, I have pressed on how the statutory duties will be satisfactorily fulfilled.
4. Transport:
 
      
      
Northern Bypass: I hosted a public meeting about the proposed Northern by-pass for Ipswich. I made it clear to my constituents, as I did in the recent letter I wrote to Woodbridge Town Council, that I will stand with them against the bypass. There is already considerable housing development pressure east of Ipswich in Martlesham and surrounding areas – and I can’t see £500m plus being made available to fund the new road unless approximately 50,000 new houses are also built. Housing is not cited as the primary reason for this development.  Of course, I want to see improvements in congestion in Ipswich, though the government did give over £18M to the council six years ago to help with that.

Buses: I welcome the decision by First Buses to keep the 66 service in the Martlesham Heath area operating at least on an hourly basis. Numbers using the service in that area are not high but are clearly important to the residents that have emailed me. I have also contacted First about the 64 service. I am conscious that these are commercial services and if not profitable, then they will not run. The County Council is still subsidising some routes in the constituency.  I have also pushed the case for the bus in and around Halesworth which is a lifeline.

Railway: I am particularly aggrieved by the decision by Greater Abellio to put in parking charges in two stations where there is no justification. I contacted the Rail Minister who replied that the revenue should be used for improvements at the stations. While Trimley may get the footbridge updated, I am struggling to justify what is happening at any of the other stations. I am due to meet the Managing Director in October.

5. Broadband/Mobile Signal:

Mobile Phone Signal: The government launched a consultation on simplifying the planning process to speed up deployment of transmission masts to get better mobile phone coverage in rural areas. Whilst improving mobile signal is vital, it doesn’t necessarily mean opening the floodgates to lots of new masts in the wrong places. I want to see a real focus on mast sharing and increased operator collaboration - and I will be encouraging our local councils to put forward sites on public land to help. For more information and to have your say, please see here - Proposed Reforms for Mobile Coverage
6. Business:

Port and Hauliers:  MCP Plc hosted a roundtable to discuss upcoming IT changes (which are not related to Brexit) and preparation for leaving the European Union. This was a useful exchange, elements of which I will follow up on with ministers.

The Falcon Inn: I visited the Falcon Inn, Felixstowe – which has just gone through an £85,000 refurbishment thanks to Admiral Taverns, the UK’s leading community pub company. I was really pleased to meet landlord, Gina Corani, who has worked tirelessly to build up a loyal customer base.

7. Constituency and Suffolk Matters:

Wangford Quarry: The Planning Inspectorate has decided to halt the proposed extension of Wangford Quarry into the Parish of Reydon. I made formal representation at the public hearing.  This was the only proposed site in the Local Plan which sat within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and I’m pleased it has now been dropped, which demonstrates the strength of the National Planning Policy Framework in protecting the environment. Thank you to the local residents that brought this to my attention – and for their active campaign against its inclusion in the Minerals & Waste Local Plan.
 
Enterprise Hub: Southwold Town Council were awarded £995k from the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund to create an Enterprise Hub in the Station Yard area of the town. The fact that Government is investing almost a million pounds, via the Coastal Communities Fund, shows real confidence in our area and I look forward to working with Southwold Town Council as the project progresses.
8. Other Meetings & Events:

- Met Peter Simpson, CEO of Anglian Water, to discuss their new approach to social and environmental outcomes as well as their long-term plans for East of England.
- Met Suffolk councillors and officers on energy matters.
- Attended various fetes.
- Attended Meet Up Monday session.
- Attended the 50th anniversary concert of Pro-Corda (which is based in Leiston Abbey).
- Attended the Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival.
- Attended the High Tide Festival.
9. Next Surgeries
November 22nd
December 13th or 20th  (TBC)
To make an appointment please call 0207 219 7164

 

 

News From Cutlers Hill Surgery

Dear Patients
We have been aware of the difficulties you have been facing when requesting appointments at the Cutlers Hill Surgery . In the past year, we have done our best to resolve this issue. We are now proud to inform you of our new Same Day Surgery which has been working successfully for the past few months. 
How it works 
For urgent or same day appointments, please call the surgery as early as possible after 8.30 am. Our receptionists, will take down your details of your problem. Please remember that our receptionists are trained to assess your health issue and direct you towards the right support.  They will then refer your case to the appropriate clinical practitioner at the surgery.  A clinical practitioner, a nurse or a doctor will call you back to assess you, and decide who would be the most appropriate person at the surgery to see you. 
Please use this system for urgent heath issues that cannot wait.  Where possible, phone the surgery rather than just presenting at the surgery. Thank you.
Of course for life threatening illness, you need to dial 999. 
The Surgery will still offer routine bookable appointments so you can still phone and get your usual routine appointment. 
We sincerely hope that our New Same Day Surgery will enables us to see you quickly so you can feel better sooner! 
For further information, please do not hesitate to call us on 01986 874618. 
 

Results of the 100 Club Draw July-September 2019

100 club draw on Sunday 6th October at Linstead Harvest Festival

July - £15 - A Read
          £10 -  P Miller
          £5 -  P Read
Aug - £15 - A Hood
         £10 -  Mr/Mrs Sands
          £5 -  Mr/Mrs Wareham
Sept - £15 -  P Garner
          £10 -  A Read
           £5 -  Mr/Mrs Sands
Proceeds:
Linstead - £109.56
Chediston - £43.44
 

 

 

Defibrillator Training At Linstead Village Hall 24th June 2019

Report and photos on the Events Reports page. Quick link - Events Reports page

European Polling Day Linstead

Ruth Fenton writes - Rural retreat for Euro voting in Linstead!

 

 

Healthwatch Suffolk

We at Healthwatch Suffolk have recently released our latest report about children and young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing in Suffolk (‘My Health, Our Future’), a project that Bungay High School was a part of. You can read about what young people have told us on our website by clicking here. 
 
Across the two years of this project, we have recorded responses from almost 14,000 young people about a range of issues including self-harm, body image, wellbeing, self-esteem and social media. Many of the findings are of real concern and highlight why we must all continue to prioritise the wellbeing of young people across our county.
 
The report has already been used by schools and professionals to adapt and improve support available to young people, and I feel that both the report itself and information on where your readers in the local community can find further support would be of interest. 

Bungay High School’s children will potentially benefit from changes in how their mental health and emotional wellbeing is supported, after taking part in a report released this month focusing on the challenges they face in and out of school.  
 
Healthwatch Suffolk’s “My Health, Our Future” project reveals troubling statistics surrounding body image, self-harm, self-esteem, cyberbullying, and social media use.
 
The full report can be downloaded directly from the Healthwatch Suffolk website at www.healthwatchsuffolk.co.uk. If your child or family feel that they need support, you can get in touch with the Childreand Young People’s Emotional Wellbeing Hub on 0345 600 2090, or find further contact details for information and advice for young people in Suffolk by visiting The Source at http://www.thesource.me.uk. 
 

        

     

Suffolk Care Services Directory

A new, updated, independent care services directory has been published today which gives readers crucial information on how to access, and pay for, care services throughout Suffolk.

You may have seen there’s a huge amount in the media at the moment about the crisis in social care. If you’re growing concerned about your care options, or just want some more information on what your choices may be, this directory can help. With information to help you understand your options, where to go for advice and how the paying for care system works, the Suffolk Care Services Directory can support you to make informed decisions. 

The new edition of the independent publication and accompanying website give information on all aspects of arranging care and support in Suffolk. It includes how to stay independent for as long as possible, the different care and support options available and what to look for when choosing a care provider. It also offers guidance on important issues such as paying for care and what financial assistance may be available from the local authority. There are comprehensive listings of all registered care services throughout Suffolk, plus checklists to help you ask the right questions when visiting services.

The directory will be available throughout the region from outlets including carers’ centres, hospitals, GP surgeries, Age UK and the Alzheimer’s Society. It can be downloaded from www.carechoices.co.uk and is also available in spoken word. 

Robert Chamberlain, Managing Director of the directory’s publisher, Care Choices, commented: “This is an invaluable source of information for anyone considering short or long term care in Suffolk, and contains vital information to help people decide what type of care and support is best for them.

“With the current crisis in social care, finding a care service for yourself or a loved one that meets their needs and is affordable can be a daunting and unfamiliar task. This new independent directory has been compiled to help people understand the process and offer them reassurance at every step of their journey.”

Care Choices is the UK’s largest independent publisher for social care and adults with additional needs. It is also the largest publisher of care directories for local authorities in England.

For more information, please contact Gemma Hunter, Care Choices. Tel: 01223 207770. Email: Gemma.Hunter@carechoices.co.uk 
 

 

Therese Coffey Newsletter - Christmas 2018

May I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
    

2018 has been quite a year for me. Earlier this year, I had a serious illness and major operation which kept me in hospital for nearly a month and further time to recover at home. I did not broadcast this at the time as I was confident that my parliamentary team could manage what needed to be done. Also, I wanted to know what caused it and how long I would take to properly recover. Well after seven months, I have been signed off by the doctors for the major part of my illness and am still seeing a consultant for a minor part. Both consultants said they could not determine exactly how or why it happened and it was bad luck. Once diagnosed, what was not bad luck was to have great treatment and care with the NHS. The immediate impact was recovering parts of my memory while taking six doses of intravenous antibiotics initially. I had even forgotten what the things were on my feet – it turns out they were slippers. Even now, I have to unlock certain words or phrases and names that I have not used for some time. Once done, then it is back in use for good. I have not been able to drive for several months and I really am looking forward to being mobile again. I want to thank people for their patience. There has not been a newsletter for some time, partly for the reasons above but also due to IT issues. I hope full service will be restored in 2019, as it will certainly be a busy year ahead.

Please find below my latest newsletter. More news can be seen on my website www.theresecoffey.co.uk and on Facebook. If you no longer wish to receive the newsletter, there is a link to unsubscribe below. Do include your email address so that we can remove you.

Contents

1. Education

2. Health & Care

3. Energy/Environment

4. Transport

5. Constituency and Suffolk Matters

6. Parliament

7. Ministerial

8. Next Surgery
1. Education

Felixstowe Academy & Langer Academy: Following representations I made to the Education Minister, Nick Gibb, the Academies Enterprise Trust (AET) is being replaced in running both Felixstowe Academy and Langer Primary School. AET was trusted with Felixstowe Academy back in 2011 and unfortunately have just not delivered. AET responded far too late after the 2017 GCSE results and the Progress 8 scores in 2018 confirmed that Felixstowe children were not making the progress they should have done. The schools can now have a fresh start under new leadership for the benefit of pupils. Interviews are happening just before Christmas and I expect an announcement to be made early in 2019. Thank you to the 2,599 people who signed my petition. It does work.

    

Special Educational Needs: I joined fellow Suffolk MPs at a meeting with the Secretary of State for Education, Damian Hinds MP, to discuss special educational needs. I have been contacted by some constituents about special educational needs provision in rural Suffolk and issues, particularly with funding and transport, in gaining access to this provision. It was great to talk through some of the challenges with the Education Secretary – and I hope our representations will help shape his future thinking.

2. Health & Care

Mental Health: I was disappointed to see that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust as inadequate - having failed to make significant improvements since their last inspection. I have asked the CQC and NHS Improvement to brief the local MPs again about the action plans after our first meeting on the detail of the report, so we can scrutinise the Trust and Department of Health on how they are going to sort this out.

Ambulance Trust: The new Chief Executive of the East of England Ambulance Service Trust, Dorothy Hosein, came to Parliament to brief MPs on their plans for Winter.

3. Energy/Environment

East Anglia One: Many residents are understandably concerned about the proposal from Scottish Power Renewables for a substation on or near to the Suffolk coast, to connect power generated from the East Anglia One offshore array. You can read my consultation response here. SPR have since announced that they have chosen Friston as their preferred site. I will be writing to the Planning Inspectorate to express my concern about the suitability of our coast being used for further connections as well as to the Energy Minister. If it goes ahead, I will continue to campaign for the final design to be dug into the ground as much as possible so its height is much reduced.

Sizewell C: EDF announced that their third stage of public consultation will commence on the 4th January for 12 weeks. This includes many public exhibitions. Details of which can be found here.

4. Transport

    

Saxmundham Station: I attended a meeting with representatives of Saxmundham Town Council to hear from Greater Anglia about the future of Saxmundham station. This follows the devastating fire which took place earlier this year. Greater Anglia intend to restore the station as a one-storey building with an indoor waiting room. At the same time Greater Anglia have also agreed to improve and resurface the car-park, which will help local traffic.

5. Constituency and Suffolk Matters

Remembrance Sunday: I paid my respects on this especially poignant occasion in Felixstowe, at St John's Church and the memorial on the seafront. Local representatives laid wreaths on my behalf in some other towns in Suffolk Coastal.

Local Plan: Suffolk Coastal District Council undertook a consultation on suggested development sites for their next Local Plan. I campaigned strongly against the proposals for Innocence Farm and the Layers in Saxmundham. You can see my response to the consultation here.

Hollesley Bay: I held talks with Prisons Minister, Rory Stewart to put over the concerns of residents on the inclusion of sexual offenders at HMP Hollesley Bay. I was joined at the meeting by the Chairman & Vice-Chairman of Hollesley Parish Council, Helen Lewis and James Mallinder. The Minister gave assurances that no-one will be put into open conditions in Hollesley Bay if they possess a threat to the primary school. The parole board makes a judgement and the Ministry of Justice then makes their own judgement before a decision is made.

Deben Leisure Centre: I attended the official opening of the new Deben Leisure Centre. Well done to Suffolk Council District Council for bringing state of the art gyms and an updated swimming pool to Woodbridge.

Woodbridge Thoroughfare: Congratulations to Woodbridge who received a well-deserved Highly Commended Award in the UK's Best High Street category at the Great British High Street Awards. I spent some time with Choose Woodbridge's James Lightfoot and local retailers recently who do so much to ensure the Thoroughfare continues to thrive.

Coastal Revival Fund: Two Suffolk Coastal Projects were successful in their application to the Government-funded Coastal Revival Fund. Felixstowe South Seafront Promenade has been awarded £30,000 to help regenerate the seafront promenade and Southwold Boating Lake Restoration has been awarded £15,000 to develop a coherent vision to restore and regenerate Southwold Boating Lake.

6. Parliament

EU Negotiations: I will continue to support the Prime Minister who is handling one of the most challenging and complex negotiations any PM has had to face. She has already agreed the future deal will include the end of freedom of movement, the end of the European Court of Justice having jurisdiction, the freedom to negotiate our own trade deals with other countries around the world, zero tariffs in a free trade area for goods, the UK as an independent coastal state on fisheries and no longer part of the Common Fisheries or Agricultural Policies.

The Budget: The Chancellor delivered the Budget in Parliament. He outlined how the economy is in a better shape than forecast, that we no longer need to borrow for day to day spending - and that thanks to the careful stewardship of the economy there are more people working than ever before.

The main Budget measures include:

Overall investment in public services will increase in real terms over the next five years. Public spending will increase overall by 1.2 per cent in real terms each year, with precise plans to be set out at the Spending Review.

Funding the Prime Minister's NHS commitment. We have fully-funded the cash settlement that was set out in June – which equates to £20.5 billion more in real terms by 2023-24, and an average real growth rate in the NHS's budget of 3.4 per cent a year.

Fulfilling our promises on income tax one year early, so people keep more of what they earn. We will raise the Personal Allowance to £12,500 and Higher Rate Threshold to £50,000 one year early, saving a typical basic rate taxpayer £130 compared to 2018-19 and £1,205 compared to 2010-11. Nearly 1 million fewer people will pay the higher rate of income tax.

Supporting our councils with an additional £1 billion of funding. We will support councils with £650 million for social care, £84 million for children's social care programmes over five years and £420 million for potholes this year.

Backing high streets by cutting business rates by a third for two years. Rates will be cut by a third for retailers with rateable value under £51,000, saving up to 90 per cent of all shops up to £8,000 each year.

Investing an additional £1.7 billion per year to benefit working families on Universal Credit. We will increase the work allowance – the amount families can earn before losing benefits – by £1,000, worth £630 per year to those households.

Introducing a new tax on plastic packaging which does not contain 30 per cent recycled plastic. We will consult on the design of this new tax, which will encourage the manufacture of sustainable packaging.

Freezing fuel duty for the ninth year, saving the average car driver a cumulative £1,000 from April 2010.

Freezing beer, cider and spirits duty for another year, supporting patrons of the Great British pub and saving people 2p on a pint of beer and 30p on a bottle of Scotch or gin.

7. Ministerial

There has been a lot on which I will elaborate on next time but a few highlights are...

Illegal Wildlife Trade: The sale of ivory will no longer be allowed from late 2020. In October, we hosted an international conference with many countries represented to continue the work on stopping illegal sales of animals, including ivory. Too many animals get killed for this awful trade and I am pleased we will keep working to stop this.

Fisheries Bill: I supported the second reading of The Fisheries Bill. This new legislation sets out our plans to leave the Common Fisheries Policy and take back control of our waters. It is good news for local fishermen.

Resources & Waste Strategy: As part of our 25 Year Environment Plan, my department launched a new Resources & Waste Strategy which will ensure businesses & manufacturers pay the full cost of recycling or disposing of their packaging waste – up from just 10% now.

Plastic Straw Ban: My department launched a consultation on ending the sale of plastic straws, drinks stirrers and cotton buds to protect our oceans and wildlife from the devastation throw-away plastic items can cause. There are going to be some exemptions including for medical conditions.

8. Next Surgery

18th January

8th February

8th March

To make an appointment please call 0207 219 7164

 

Overwintering Storage Required

Temporary Boat Storage Wanted.  Do you have an empty barn or large garage we could store and work (revarnishing) on a vintage Family-14ft sailing dinghy for a few months until the Spring next year.  With the trailer it's about 20 feet in length.

 Call Will Oldham 01986 835853 or email willoldham1@gmail.com

 

Volunteering with Home Start

Email to website from Home Start: 

As the number of family referrals made to our charity, Home-Start, is increasing, Home-Start is starting a drive to recruit new Volunteers.  We are hoping, please, that you may be able to find some space soon in a future edition of your publication to include some advertising editorial on this.  I attach information and documents in various formats, and we’d be really grateful if you could help us in this way.

Do get back to us if you need any more information.

Anita Robertson

Volunteer

Home-Start in Suffolk

Home-Start met Mum Lauren and her family shortly after their new baby was diagnosed with brain damage. Lauren and her husband were completely overwhelmed with the emotional and practical demands of caring for a baby suffering with multiple seizures and being unsettled day and night, whilst also trying juggle the needs of their other children.
Life was turned upside down for the family with hospital appointments, admissions and the worry of an unknown future. Their Health Visitor referred them to Home-Start Suffolk, who introduced them to Ruth, a trained Home-Start volunteer. Ruth visits Lauren and the children once a week, providing support when Lauren's husband works late.
Having Ruth there to “share the load” enables all of the children to get vital one on one attention: reading, playing or doing school work. Mum or Ruth cook dinner and they all sit together whilst Ruth holds or sings to the baby. Lauren’s evenings are less chaotic and easier to manage with Ruth’s help.
Lauren says she felt ‘immediately at ease’ with Ruth and found it easy to talk to her when she was having a difficult week. Although the family's situation is the same, her visits have allowed the family time to adjust and explore what ongoing support is needed and available to them.
Home-Start in Suffolk have family support volunteering opportunities all across Suffolk.
Although we value parenting experience, you don’t have to have children or grandchildren of your own to help.  You just need a little time and a willingness to make a difference.
By joining our team, you will receive accredited training, ongoing support and friendship.
Our volunteers support a family on a weekly basis for between two and four hours.
If you think you could give some of your time to support a Suffolk family, please contact Fiona on:
01473 621104
www.homestartinsuffolk.org
 

 

 

Snow Report - Chediston

Chediston's Steve Hearn writes to the website:

Photographs are attached of snow drifting into Wissett Road, for the Chediston and Linstead Parish Council website, taken during the afternoon of the easterly gale on 1st March 2018.

The only day that I have ever wanted to wear two woollen thermal hats !

Molly our Border Terrier seemed happy enough, in her warm red coat.  Looking for mice in the snow drifts.  (Cassie our Irish Setter stayed at home, as the snow quickly collects in between her pads and she cannot walk).

We both had a very enjoyable walk to Wissett and back.  Not a single car (or walker) was seen.  Lovely.

(Thanks Steve for this report and photos- webmaster)

Weather Update - 03 March 2018

The situation within Suffolk has improved and despite some overnight snow, a thaw is now taking place and temperatures are increasing slowly.  As a result of this, the Multi -Agency response has now ceased, and it is now business as usual for the Emergency Services.

For those in the coastal area of Suffolk, there maybe a number of flood alerts issued later in the day by the Environment Agency.  For your information, I have replicated the latest Met Office update in respect of the weather below.

The Environment Agency and Suffolk Highways are also monitoring any surface water flooding risk from the thawing snow. It would be helpful if there are any problems that they are reported on the Suffolk County Council reporting tool: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/highway-maintenance/report-a-highways-issue/ 

Suffolk Fire and Rescue and Anglian Water have seen an increase in reports of internal flooding and Burst pipes due to the thaw.  Information is posted at: http://www.anglianwater.co.uk/household/water-supply/burst-pipes/

 If you have any particular concerns or issues, then please come back to me.  The process to gather ‘lessons’ from this incident will have been taking place and these will be collated both within single organisations and in a multi-agency forum over the coming weeks.  If there are any particular issues that you would like to raise for that process then please pass them to  me by email.

 Met Office Update:

 With the exceptionally cold weather of this week now being dislodged by less cold conditions, here is a quick update on the next few days for us in the East of England.

Becoming mainly fine today with moderate south east winds, once any remaining light rain, sleet or snow peters out. Daytime highs of around 3 Celsius will see the thaw of lying snow continue with some surface water developing.

For many parts of our region, tonight may well see temperatures remain just above freezing, allowing a continued slow thaw of lying snow. The exception to this theme, is across north western parts our region, where the last throws of the cold air may linger into tonight – before less cold temperatures drift in here too.

Indeed, to highlight the risk of ice tonight, a Yellow Warning of Ice has been issued for many parts of the UK which includes west Norfolk, north Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. This Warning is valid from 1100 today until 1100 on Sunday and brings a Medium Likelihood of Low Impacts.

Sunday will feel much milder than of late and despite daytime highs of only around 7 Celsius – there will be a much more noticeable thaw of lying snow. In addition to water from melted snow, rain is expected during the afternoon and evening – so this will increase the risk of surface water developing.

Next week will continue to be less cold and more ‘typical’ for March with rain or showers at times – although still with the risk of overnight ice on untreated surfaces, especially where lying snow continues to thaw by day. There will also be the on-going risk surface water developing.

 

Advice for Volunteers spreading salt/grit or clearing snow from the Highway at times of severe weather

Advice for Volunteers spreading salt/grit or clearing snow from the Highway at times of severe weather

•    Wear a high visibility long sleeved vest or jacket. A vest can be worn over normal clothing. A jacket can be worn in place of a normal coat.
•    Wear warm clothing and stout footwear which will provide good grip. Physical work will warm up the body so be prepared to shed layers but remember your body will quickly cool down once you cease work.
•    Ensure that someone is aware that you have gone out to carry out this work and how long you intend to be there for. Remember also to advise that person of your return.
•    Assess the location before commencing work. Do not attempt the work if you feel conditions would make this unsafe – For example if visibility is poor, traffic flows are too high or conditions are so severe that you would be placing yourself at risk of falling or extreme cold.
•    Always be aware of approaching traffic. Remember the conditions may mean that traffic will have difficulty stopping. Try to work in pairs so that someone can observe the traffic.
•    Use the grit sparing and thinly. Spread a small amount on a shovel and sprinkle gently. The material in the grit bins is a mixture of salt and grit. The salt will help to speed up the process of thawing snow and ice the grit is intended to provide grip on the surface of compacted snow or ice.
•    When spreading salt/grit on pavements it is better to remove most of the snow first and then spread the salt/grit mixture.
•    DO NOT USE HOT WATER. This will melt the snow, but will replace it with black ice, increasing the risk of injury. 
•    If shovelling snow: Use a shovel with the widest blade available. Make a line down the middle of your path first, so you have a safe surface to walk on. Then you can simply shovel the snow from the centre to the sides. 
•    If salt is not available from the grit bins, consider spreading some ordinary table salt on the area you have cleared to prevent any ice forming. Ordinary salt will work and can be purchased cheaply from any local shop, but avoid spreading on plants or grass.
•    Care should be taken to avoid blocking access points to properties driveway,  paths especially at pedestrian crossings and drains. The cleared snow should be deposited in the verge or areas that are non-trafficked.
•    If you clear snow and ice yourself, be careful - don’t make the pathways more dangerous by causing them to refreeze. But don’t be put off clearing paths because you’re afraid someone will get injured.  Remember, people walking on snow and ice have responsibility to be careful themselves. 
•    Pay extra attention to clear snow and ice from steps and steep pathways - you might need to use more salt on these areas.
•    Clear the snow or ice early in the day.  It’s easier to move fresh snow rather than hard snow that has packed together from people walking on it. So if possible, start removing the snow and ice in the morning. If you remove the top layer of snow in the morning, any sunshine during the day will help melt any ice beneath. You can then cover the path with salt before nightfall to stop it refreezing overnight.
 

Wildlife Improvement Opportunities - Chediston Watercourse

Dear Chediston and Linstead Parish Council,

As part of a wider focus on rivers in East Suffolk, my colleague Nicola Robinson and I are exploring opportunities to improve habitat and wildlife within and adjacent to the Chediston watercourse (Click on the Link - Catchment Info). Yesterday we visited the river downstream of Chediston as it runs alongside the community field. Despite the heavy rain and hail we identified a number of improvements that could be made to the river and the surrounding area. Before developing these ideas further we are keen to understand who owns this land, how it is used and who we might approach about our proposals.

We’re conscious that any works would need the agreement of the Parish Council and are mindful of including the local community in any plans as they develop. In the first instance, if you could provide some information on the community field we would be very grateful. I have provided my contact details below and would be happy to discuss our preliminary ideas in more detail, should that be of use.

Best wishes,
TrevDr. Trevor Bond Suffolk Coastal PCO MCIWEM
 

Rationalising the Main River Network Consultation

Dear Chediston and Linstead Grouped Parish Council,

My colleague Marie Coleman wrote to your Parish Council a few weeks ago, notifying you of the upcoming consultation on de-mainment proposals affecting watercourses in your parish. I can now confirm that the consultation is live - please follow this link to access the consultation.

We are aiming to give as many people as possible the chance to respond to the consultation, and are therefore using several different methods of advertising.

As such, I'd be very grateful if you could help us notify your parish by arranging the following:

1) Placing the following on your parish notice boards (and any other notice boards that you think would be useful)

a. RMRN poster - Suffolk

b. RMRN Statutory notice - Suffolk

2) Uploading any/all of the following to your website (if applicable/possible)

a. RMRN poster - Suffolk

b. RMRN Statutory notice - Suffolk

c. RMRN press release - Suffolk

d. RMRN community newsletter 2nd edition

If at all possible, could you please arrange this as soon as you are able? This will allow us to maximise the amount of notice consultees receive before the consultation ends on the 12th February. Please do let me know if you would like me to send you printed versions of these documents, along with your postal address.

Many thanks in advance for your help - please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.

Kind regards,

Hannah

Hannah Watson

Flood and Coastal Risk Management Support Officer

Norfolk and Suffolk PSO Team

East Anglia Area - Environment Agency

( Tel (Internal): 49392

( Tel (External): 020847 49392

* Email: Hannah.Watson@environment-agency.gov.uk

* Environment Agency | Dragonfly House | 2 Gilders Way | Norwich | Norfolk | NR3 1UB

 

Statutory Notice

Proposed determination of Environment Agency - changes to the main river map in Suffolk

The Environment Agency proposes to reduce the length of the watercourses listed below in Suffolk that are currently designated as ‘main river'.

This change represents a ‘determination' under section 193C(1) of the Water Resources Act 1991. A determination is a formal decision to change the main river map.

The proposed determinations are that the

• Bologney River, near Iken (MRV_100017), between national grid reference (NGR) TM 40361 53201 and NGR TM 43230 56894.

• Cookley Watercourse, near Cookley (MRV_100014), between national grid reference (NGR) TM 33624 76873 and NGR TM 36559 75012.

• River Wang, near Wangford (MRV_100013) between national grid reference (NGR) TM 43321 79580 and NGR TM 46390 79054, and its tributaries: Uggeshall Watercourse between NGR TM 45181 82782 and NGR TM 44424 80748 (MRV_100011), and TM 43897 81275 and TM 44707 79742 (MRV_100012), and the River Trent (MRV_100010) between national grid references (NGRs) TM 41497 80869 and TM 43664 79811.

which are currently designated as main river, should be re-designated as ordinary watercourse.

The change would mean that East Suffolk Internal Drainage Board, Suffolk Coastal District Council or Waveney District Council would have powers to carry out work to manage flood risk for the re-designated sections of the watercourses. The Environment Agency would no longer have any permissive powers to carry out works on these sections of the watercourses.

The change would also affect how the watercourse is regulated. If you wanted to carry out works in or next to the watercourse, you might have to get consent from East Suffolk Internal Drainage Board or Suffolk County Council.

Where can I find out more information and comment on the proposed changes?

You can view and comment on the proposals via our online consultation at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/rationalising-the-main-river-network-de-maining-proposals.

If you have any comments or queries about this proposal you can also email PSOENS@environment-agency.gov.uk or write to PSO ENS, Environment Agency, Dragonfly House, 2 Gilders Way, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 1UB. Please quote the relevant reference number(s) above when you contact the Environment Agency.

You need to submit your response to the online consultation or send your comments to the Environment Agency by midday on 12 February 2018.

Maps of the proposed changes can also be viewed at our Environment Agency office: Iceni House, Cobham Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 9JD, and at Suffolk County Council office: Suffolk County Council, Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, IP1 2BX.

 

Library Service

Your mobile library - use it or lose it!

Did you know that the Suffolk Libraries mobile library visits your area regularly, giving access to hundreds of thousands of books, including large print, audiobooks and children's books? You can also hire CDs and DVDs for a small charge. If the items you want are not on the van you can reserve them from the library catalogue free of charge and have them delivered on the van at a later date. The staff are friendly and helpful, and offer a warm welcome to anyone who visits. The steps convert into a lift for those with limited mobility. This is a valuable service to rural and isolated communities who have lost many of their other local services, and can also be an opportunity to meet up with other people and catch up with the local goings on. Come along to visit us and help to keep this service running for YOUR community - all are welcome! Please do give the service your support - the more people use it the less likely we are to lose it.

Saxmundham mobile library route 12

Stop Village Location Time

12A Linstead Parva Village hall 0945-1000

12B Metfield Church 1015-1045

12C Withersdale St Lay-by 1050-1105

12D Weybread Lay-by 1115-1130

12E Syleham Wingfield Rd (junction with Weybread Rd) 1140-1155

12F Wingfield Post box 1200-1220

12G Fressingfield Priory Crescent 1335-1355

12H Fressingfield Tiddlywinks nursery 1400-1440

12I Fressingfield Sancroft Hall 1445-1515

 

Calling every 4 weeks on Fridays

2018 dates

26 Jan, 23 Feb, 23 Mar, 20 Apr, 18 May, 15 Jun,

13 Jul, 10 Aug, 7 Sept, 5 Oct, 2 Nov, 30 Nov, 28 Dec

 

Saxmundham mobile library route 12

Stop Village Location Time

12A Linstead Parva Village hall 0945-1000

12B Metfield Church 1015-1045

12C Withersdale St Lay-by 1050-1105

12D Weybread Lay-by 1115-1130

12E Syleham Wingfield Rd (junction with Weybread Rd) 1140-1155

12F Wingfield Post box 1200-1220

12G Fressingfield Priory Crescent 1335-1355

12H Fressingfield Tiddlywinks nursery 1400-1440

12I Fressingfield Sancroft Hall 1445-1515

 

Calling every 4 weeks on Fridays

2018 dates

26 Jan, 23 Feb, 23 Mar, 20 Apr, 18 May, 15 Jun,

 

Saxmundham Mobile Route 15

Saxmundham mobile library route 15

Stop Village Location Time

15A Saxmundham Chantry House 1030-1100

15B Sibton Nursery 1115-1145

15C Sibton White Horse 1150-1205

15D Chediston Midsummer Cottage 1225-1235

15E Chediston New Dawn 1240-1255

15F Wissett Opposite Church 1405-1425

15G Halesworth HIghfields 1435-1505

15H Bramfield Queens Head PH 1515-1535

Calling every 4 weeks on Thursdays

2018 dates

4 Jan, 1 Feb, 1 Mar, 29 Mar, 26 Apr, 24 May,

21 Jun, 19 Jul, 16 Aug, 13 Sept, 11 Oct, 8 Nov, 6 Dec

 

Saxmundham mobile library route 15

Stop Village Location Time

15A Saxmundham Chantry House 1030-1100

15B Sibton Nursery 1115-1145

15C Sibton White Horse 1150-1205

15D Chediston Midsummer Cottage 1225-1235

15E Chediston New Dawn 1240-1255

15F Wissett Opposite Church 1405-1425

15G Halesworth HIghfields 1435-1505

15H Bramfield Queens Head PH 1515-1535

Calling every 4 weeks on Thursdays

2018 dates

4 Jan, 1 Feb, 1 Mar, 29 Mar, 26 Apr, 24 May,

21 Jun, 19 Jul, 16 Aug, 13 Sept, 11 Oct, 8 Nov, 6 Dec

 

Peck Family

The following from the website's Facebook Page:

I am looking for information on my family roots. The Peck family from Chediston. If anyone has anything or knew of the Peck's I would be most grateful.

Regards Greg Peck gregpeck25@icloud.com

EE Phone Signal

Pat Mattinson writes to the website:

I wonder if you would mind asking, via the website and Facebook, whether anyone else is having ongoing problems with the EE signal?

Until about a month ago, I had 3 or 4 bar strength. That has now gone down to usually 1 bar, occasionally 2. Initially EE said they were doing some maintenance work, but now they say there's no issue from their end.

I'd just be interested to see if anyone else is affected.

Many thanks

Pat

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