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In TouchVolume 10 • Issue No. 3 • JULY 2020

with Melton, Rendlesham& Woodbridge

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NEWSA WORD FROM THE EDITOR

Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP

In Touch Titles• Stowmarket & Stowupland• Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew• Melton & Woodbridge• Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley• Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham,

Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath• Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit• Needham Market & The Creetings• Shotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton,

Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone

• Martlesham• Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton• East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford

& Stratford St Mary• Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham• Capel St Mary (Capel Capers)• Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone

& Washbrook• Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead• Westerfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham

St Martin & Witnesham• Sproughton & Burstall

We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe

Printed on gloss paper from FSC certified sources

Please recycle.

EDITOR: Sharon JenkinsT: 01473 400380Send editorial copy to:sharon@intouchnews.co.ukReaders are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

ADVERTISINGT: 01473 400380 E: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

DISTRIBUTIONTree Martin: 01473 400380E: tree@intouchnews.co.uk

PRINTING ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379E: steve@colourplan.co.ukDisclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions.

While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints.

© Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

© In Touch with Melton, Rendlesham & Woodbridge is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd

Friday 10 Julyis the advertising and editorial deadline for the August edition

There’s something about a Sunday morning which feels different, even before you realise it is a Sunday. Well, I had the same sensation when I woke on Monday 15 June. It felt different and all because it was the day when ‘non-essential’ shops were allowed to reopen. This development makes me extremely happy, Sunday happy, because I’ve hated walking by closed shops for so long, knowing how the enforced closure has impacted on owners and staff. Now our local shops have reopened, I urge you to support them so we can enjoy again the many benefits of having vibrant high streets and town centres.

We have to take baby steps for the moment and adhere to social distancing guidelines, but the purchasing choices we make have never been so critical for the local economy and local employment. The choices we make right now will determine whether those hardest hit by closure can survive and how quickly we can revive the sense of local community we’ve missed on our streets in the last three months.

As it was such a momentous day for our town centre shops, I made it the focus of my son’s home learning for the day. We wandered into town just to see the open doors and the new window displays and to enjoy the palpable sense of freedom. There was a long queue at the shoe shop, mostly mums with small children who needed to have their feet measured for long overdue summer shoes. We decided to leave that for another day and headed to the sewing shop where I purchased some funky fabric for face masks. Next up, and central to my mission, my favourite boutique with a list of missed and forthcoming birthdays in hand. I may have purchased a little something for myself too, a sort of token ‘freedom’ gift which is click-clacking on the keyboard as I type (and beginning to really annoy me!).

Jack was desperate to visit the sweet shop, which we did next, and then on to what we refer to as ‘the everything and anything shop’ for a new cafetier and sunflower seeds. Then coffee and off home with a spring in our step.

“It’s much better like this, isn’t it mum,” Jack said. It surely is and now we know how much we have missed having town centres and streets where people live, work and play, perhaps we can be more optimistic than ever about the future. Take care, stay safe and shop local (which you can do online if you are still shielding or in isolation).

TACKLING THE CORONAVIRUS – ‘STICK WITH IT SUFFOLK’

The Stick With It Suffolk campaign was launched in May 2020 by the Suffolk Resilience Forum, which includes Suffolk’s NHS, emergency and public services, because we are not out of the woods yet.

We are asked to keep following these instructions:

• Keepstayingathome

• Keepworkingfromhomewhereyoucan

• Keep2metresapartifyougoout

• Keepexercisingsafely

• Keepwashingyourhandswithsoapandwater

• Keepself-isolatingifyouoranyoneinyourhousehold hassymptoms

• Keeptravellingbycar,bikeorwalking

• Keepstayingsafeatwork

• Keepshieldingyourselfifyou’revulnerable

• Keepsupportinglocalbusinesses

• Keeplookingoutforeachother

People are asked to share their stories and how they are managing to stick with it, using the hashtag #StickWithItSuffolk on social media.

Stuart Keeble, Suffolk Director of Public Health, said: “On behalf of all the members of the Suffolk Resilience Forum, I’d like to say thank you to the people of Suffolk for the sacrifices they are making by following these instructions.

“But now, more than ever, it is important that we stick with it - the number of cases can very easily increase if we take our eye off the ball. This would be a backward step, with strict lockdown measures coming back into force.”

Dr Mark Shenton, Chair of the Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group, said:“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our communities for their continued support in helping our health and care system to manage this public health emergency.

“These are unprecedented times and the measures we have all taken so far are really making a difference. This is why it is so important to continue following government guidelines and keeping the two metre distance from each other.

“I am so proud of how our services are responding to this crisis and extremely heartened by the continued support that so many people are giving us by following these rules.

“Please continue to stay alert, continue to help control this virus and help us all save lives.”

4 In Touch online:

NEWS

JETTY LANE UPDATEPPEWith continuing concerns about PPE in care and residential homes, Caroline Page, our Jetty Lane chair, was very glad to be able to pass on a gift of EU-compliant medical masks from friends in China to help keep our friends in Deben View safe, delivered in fetching Jetty Lane bags!

Volunteers’WeekWith National Volunteers’ Week at the start of June, we would like to take this opportunity to give a big shout out to all our volunteers. Over the last year about 40 people have supported Jetty Lane by volunteering for us. “Our charity would simply not exist without the enthusiasm, dedication and sheer hard work of our volunteers who have been working steadily to help us achieve our goal: a fabulous new centre where everyone will be welcome and everyone will have the opportunity to join in,” says Caroline Page. Our volunteers are from all ages and backgrounds, some live in Woodbridge, many live in surrounding villages and towns, some have full-time jobs, some are self-employed, some are retired.

They have a variety of skills and experiences. We have volunteers who are trustees, event organisers, raffle-prize-collectors, leaflet deliverers, letter writers, waffle-makers, waiters, bucket-shakers, data crunchers, photographers, fire safety consultants, building designers, garden designers, web designers, artists, singers, performers, grant-application-writers, social media posters, thinkers, doers and philosophers…

If you have some time available and would like to help us achieve our goal, why not get in touch? We can always do with more help! Please contact our project manager Cordelia Richman to discuss further: 01394 383128 / info@jettylane.org

BygoneDaysDo you remember Woodbridge Youth Centre? What do you remember? We’re looking for your stories! Did you have a birthday party there? Wedding reception? Sock Hop? Youth Club? Were you a Mod, Rocker, Trad Jazzer? Boy Scout or Girl Guide? Do you have any photographs? We’d love to hear from you!

If you’d like to share your memories please email us at info@jettylane.orgor write to ProjectManager,31HillyFields,WoodbridgeIP124DX.

FARLINGAYE’S PLAYLISTSDuring this period of lockdown, the music department and students at Farlingaye High School has produced playlists to enable the community to listen to work in a different way and share a little community spirit. There are a variety of playlists and podcasts to enjoy.

The ex-student podcasts are based upon various elements of the music industry such as song writing, playing Timpani in an orchestra, composing classical music and also some analysis of classical pieces. In addition, there are a series of podcasts where they chat about what they have done since leaving school and any advice they can give current students interested in working in the music industry. Fabian Marshal-Tierney talks to Andrew Marshall (Billy Eilish’s drummer) from his home in LA and Adam Double talks about playing on tour with The Shires. Luke Taylor describes the intricacies of playing percussion in a professional orchestra and Peter Ling has recorded some acoustic covers for you to enjoy, including Bring Him Home.

There are nostalgic playlists from various eras which the older generation may particularly enjoy. Classical playlists have been created to showcase instrumental and creative brilliance to introduce you to new genres or composers.

There are playlists suggested by staff at Farlingaye, with music that punctuates their lives or their favourite pieces, with written descriptions of why they are special. The community can enjoy instrumental solos and collaborations and a vocal covers and originals playlists.

Gemma Martino, Head of Music at Farlingaye, said: “Music continues to play an important part in people’s lives during this time and I felt that we should look at ways to create instrumental and vocal work from students, ex-students parents and staff for others to enjoy. The community may be separated from each other just now, but even in separation it is a powerful resource in times like these.

“Students have found ingenious ways to record duets, solos and collaborations from their bedrooms and kitchens, as indeed have staff. Ex-students, who have continued with their passion for music, have created podcasts and I have started recording a series of videos with them to look at the journey after leaving Farlingaye. It has been lovely to hear the work coming in and a real pleasure to spend time catching up with those who work in the industry or continue with music as a hobby. This is a project to lift the spirits. Happy listening!”

The podcasts and playlists can be accessed from: www.farlingaye.suffolk.sch.uk/News/FHS-Music-Community-Playlists-for-Lockdown

DEBEN ROTARY NEWSThe Rotary Club of Woodbridge Deben is continuing to meet via Zoom during the Covid-19 emergency. We held our AGM online on May 18 and our club assembly on June 1. At the assembly, our incoming president, Rotarian Richard Boother, outlined his plans and aspirations for the forthcoming Rotary year.

While acknowledging the difficulties we will all face in the coming months, he hopes that with enthusiasm and innovation the club will be able to soon return to our role of service to the community and support for a number of local, national and international charities. To this end we were pleased to be able to make a donation of £500 to support the work of the local Salvation Army food bank.

SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY AS THE HEARING CARE CENTRE RE-OPENS

As it begins to re-open its services after lockdown, local hearing care specialists The Hearing Care Centre have a very clear message to anyone needing support with their hearing: “Your safety is our priority”.

The company which offers audiology and earwax removal services from Framfield Medical Centre has 27 centres spread across Suffolk and Norfolk.

Audiologist Karen Finch said: “Following the comprehensive COVID-19 joint guidance from the UK’s audiology professional bodies, we have examined every single aspect of how we deliver our service to ensure that we can do so safely as we move forward. This has taken weeks of work and preparation but we are now totally confident that we can offer you the support you need in a safe way.”

Karen added: “The most satisfying part of being able to re-open for care is knowing that we offer a valuable and much needed service. The relief for patients after receiving our help and treatment has been overwhelming and emotional.”

To book an appointment for audiology or earwax removal or to find out more visit: www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk

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NEWS

TURBAN CENTRE CLEAN UPHaving heard that the weeds growing in Woodbridge Town Centre were to be controlled by weedkiller, Transition Woodbridge decided they would prefer to remove at least some of them without herbicide.

So, on a recent Sunday afternoon after the Co-op Supermarket had closed, a group of three Transition Woodbridge members armed with a sharpened hoe, a litter picker, a sweeping brush and dustpan and rubbish bags spent a couple of hours removing the weeds and all the litter.

The Turban Centre has remained weed free so far, but sadly within 24 hours there was more litter, particularly cigarette butts, despite there being two rubbish bins nearby.

This effort was part of the group’s aim to improve the biodiversity of our town, to increase the number of wildlife species in Woodbridge and Melton. Over the last five years, Transition Woodbridge has planted more than 50 apple, pear, plum and damson trees, making a scattered community orchard. Working on a rota, volunteers water each tree every week through the summer months for the first three years after planting to help their survival in this dry part of the country. The trees are for people living nearby to enjoy – the blossom in the spring and the fruit in the autumn.

It is hoped that as the trees grow they will become a focal point for the community, a meeting point, a place for a picnic. In the Edible Garden at Woodbridge Library, members of Transition Woodbridge, with the support of Woodbridge in Bloom and Woodbridge WI, are growing vegetables and soft fruit for everyone visiting the library to pick and enjoy. In various small gardens around town – at the top of Chapel Street, near the skateboard park, in two dinghies in front of the Long Shed at Woodbridge Historic Riverside – Transition Woodbridge members have planted a wide variety of small trees, shrubs, perennial and annual flowers.

The aim of all these gardens and the orchards is to grow plants that will help bees, butterflies, moths and other insects. The numbers of these creatures have declined significantly in recent years for a variety of reasons but including the use of herbicides/pesticides. No chemicals are used in the gardens and orchards and any compost used is peat free. Transition Woodbridge hope that others in Woodbridge and Melton will follow these examples to help improve biodiversity even more.

COUNCIL RELAUNCHES SCHEME TO TACKLE SOCIAL ISOLATIONEast Suffolk Council has relaunched a scheme to help people who are struggling with social isolation and loneliness during the pandemic.

The Hidden Needs Programme was originally launched in 2018 to support older people and families with limited resources who were struggling with social isolation and loneliness.

In a response to COVID-19, East Suffolk Council has now relaunched the scheme with a fund of £100,000 and adapted it to help fund projects which support people of all ages who are particularly vulnerable during this time.

Therefore, the council is asking local community groups and voluntarily organisations to bring to life projects which can help reduce social isolation and loneliness by applying for a grant of up to £10,000 through the scheme.

Councillor Letitia Smith, East Suffolk’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Leisure and Tourism, said: “I am really pleased to be able to announce the re-launch of the Hidden Needs Grant Programme. A lot of work has already gone into tackling social isolation in East Suffolk. However, we know that this is a very unusual time and some people will be finding it very challenging as they have not been able to see family or friends during the lockdown.

“We want to encourage local community groups and voluntary organisations to submit innovative ideas for projects which can help those feeling social isolation to be more connected and supported in this challenging time.”

The scheme is now open for the first round applications, which must be submitted by 17 July 2020. A second round will open on 18 July 2020 for applications which must be submitted by 30 September 2020.

To find our more, including how to apply, go to: www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/community/community-grants-and-funding

DELIVERING GREEN HOMES IN EAST SUFFOLK

East Suffolk Council has launched a new strategy to deliver more environmentally friendly homes as it continues its work to address climate change.

In July 2019, East Suffolk Council voted unanimously to declare a climate emergency as part of its commitment to reduce its own carbon emissions and to encourage local communities to help fight climate change.

Now the council’s first Housing Enabling Strategy has been approved by cabinet and will play a key role in achieve its green commitments, while recognising the importance of enabling housing developments across the district.

The strategy is a joint effort between the council’s housing and planning teams, and delivers a shared vision for development in the district which adds to and supports existing measures already in place, locally and nationally, including the council’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030.

The strategy provides simple, concise information on best practices for developers seeking to mitigate the impact of the building industry on the climate change and measures to address the effect of climate change.

Cllr James Mallinder, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “This strategy shows how serious we are about tackling climate change in East Suffolk, and the key role the environment plays in our decision-making. It is not just about the plants and grass outside – it is about ensuring that homes in East Suffolk are energy efficient and built to environmentally sustainable standards. Changes to how we operate, big and small, will make a big difference over time and help build a legacy for future generations.”

View East Suffolk’s new Housing Enabling Strategy at: www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/assets/Housing/Housing-Enabling-Strategy.pdf

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT

COUNCILLOR CAROLINE’S COLUMNWe sure are living in unpredictable times. We may – or may not – be coming out of lockdown. We may – or may not – be expecting a second spike. We may – or may not – be test and tracing by September. We may – or may not – be able to go on holiday. The sheer range of things we may or may not be able to do is unpredictable and astonishing. Over the next months we have to balance the long-term educational prospects of children, with the welfare of physically vulnerable people and the impact on our workers and businesses and the stress on the NHS, all while trying to keep buses running and our streets safe to use.

It’s no wonder that people are feeling unsettled. Edgy. Everywhere you hear people talking of “when this is all over”, just like in old black and white war films: “When this is over, I will go for a meal, catch a film, take the kids to see mum…” Simple everyday nice things that have been on hold for a while.

There are thunder clouds overhead but even they bring some silver linings. As I write, my calendar shows I’ve hardly been outdoors for the last 80 days except for my daily walk. I expect most people have been much the same, but this has meant we’ve started embarking on all sorts of things we never thought of before.

What’s your new craze? It seems that every day I hear of fresh things that people are creating, learning, discovering – from sewing PPE to growing vegetables to turning a table leg, learning a new language or counting chickens – all good ways to stop losing our marbles. Me, I’ve been thrilled to discover local birdlife – particularly cuckoos, larks and hawks - and after an energetic Easter weekend, ended up with a vegetable garden instead of a lawn. You should see my radishes!

Oh, and I’ve ensured that the new traffic regulations for the Thoroughfare (agreed at consultation long ago but put on ice until the new parking came in) have now been fast tracked to ensure greater safety for shoppers in the town.

Finally, over the last weeks, everyone in the country has suddenly learned to live with some of the restrictions which are ‘normal’, and accepted as such, for others. We are living the lives that we allow many people with disabilities and health conditions – and those who care for them – to live every day.

Lockdown has given everyone a sudden taste of being shut up involuntarily, unable to get out, unable to contact friends, losing livelihoods, careers, opportunities, getting very stressed, very concerned, very worried. And, like becoming a carer, it happened with little or no warning. Please remember this ‘when it is all over’.

It’s been no fun for us. When this is all over, let us recognise at long, long last that such a life is no fun for carers and those they care for either!

Caroline Page

SECKFORD CARE NEWS

Still with our doors closed to all visitors, Seckford Care in Woodbridge continues to be very busy with a variety of activities for the residents. We now only run smaller groups due to social distancing rules; so far our residents have been busy crafting and making flower arrangements to brighten up their rooms and the communal areas. We have had much support from local community groups who have been incredible and made new scrubs for our care team. We are extremely grateful to the volunteers who have made these and all staff members are really appreciative of this support.

We have introduced a gardening club for the residents while we have been experiencing the lovely weather recently. This has been great in brightening up the day for residents and staff by enjoying the fresh air and accompanied walks on the ground. We hope to see and show what has grown in the gardens in a few weeks’ time.

We have also been creative and had to improvise in coming up with different ideas for our craft sessions for the residents. As craft

stores have been closed due to the pandemic, we used milk bottles to create Elmer the Elephant out of them. The residents designed their own elephants with coloured tissue paper and these were all put out on display where they look really colourful for all to appreciate.

Images © Mandy Button, Seckford Care

Normally in early June, Geaters of Leiston hang more than 100 beautiful baskets on lamp posts around Woodbridge. Private and business sponsors generously donate to finance some of these. This year is different.

Early in 2020, Norse, whom we pay to water them, stated that they only had capacity for watering 40 baskets. Secondly, they insisted we replace the existing baskets with eco-friendly ones with reservoirs (sensible, but expensive for us), thereby reducing the number of waterings needed each week. Furthermore, following the onset of COVID-19 they declined to do any watering at all for us this year so, having committed to buy the plants, Woodbridge in Bloom was left with a problem!

We decided to offer custody of the baskets to those who sponsored them to water and enjoy at home during the summer, either hung up or standing on pots, returning the baskets at the end. There has been good take up of this. One sponsor of two baskets actually got them onto the lamppost outside his house so that everyone will enjoy them!

Of the remainder, some have been hung outside the community centre and others at the Whistlestop Café at the station, in prominent positions. To be fair to Norse, they later came back with an offer but by then the baskets were distributed and it was too late for the town.

The good news is that, as promised, Woodbridge in Bloom committee and helpers have installed bedding plants in planters around the town to provide some colour (social distancing as we did so, of course). We shall water these as best we can, but this often involves our small team carrying water considerable distances, and we would very much like your help: if you live near any of the planters or tubs (Market Square, Oak Lane, Turban Centre, Café Nero) please help us by administering an occasional jugful or kettleful of water to keep the flowers alive through what promises to be a very dry summer. Thank you.

Barbara Dann, Vice Chair of Woodbridge in Bloom E: barbaradann@btinternet.com

WOODBRIDGE IN BLOOM

10 In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT

SPEAK EASY ONLINE! Speak Easy continues to meet online and you are welcome to join us.

Since the second half of March we have been holding our fortnightly meetings online. It has been a great way to keep our meetings going, to see and hear everyone and learn new skills. It has been a learning curve for us all. While some members are seasoned video conference callers, for several this was their first time. Whatever our previous experience, we have all been learning not only how to take part in the meetings, but also how we can improve our skills speaking to others via a screen. Thanks continue to go to Mike and Fiona for setting up these online meetings. We very much welcome guests to join us online to see what we do and enjoy the meetings with us.

If you would like to attend one of our online meetings please contact our president, Paul Graham, via the email address below and he will organise an invitation for you.

Speak Easy is open to anyone 18 years or over and meetings are held on alternate Thursdays from 7-9.30pm. The next dates are July 9 and 23 and August 6 and 20.

If you would like any further information please contact Paul Graham at: president@speak-easy.org.uk

www.speak-easy.org.uk / Facebook: @SpeakEasyMartlesham

Members of Woodbridge Cruising are still busy on land and in the ether as clubs are not yet opening. The club’s active social programme is continuing, with a variety of online activities to engage members.

Following on from the inaugural photography competition, On My Walk, it was deemed so successful as to make it a regular feature, and the subsequent competition, The Garden, drew a record number of entries, showing members are indeed green fingered. The many superb photographs were judged by the Vice Commodore, Steven Lines, and the winner was Nick Wood.

Stephen Lines commented:

“I thought the image was well framed. It gives the viewer a peaceful picture. It was a worthy winner.”

Nick’s prize was to select the next theme and he chose My Lockdown Hobby.

This was judged by Janet and David Sparrow, again another

difficult task, as members have a variety of interests, from microscopy, building bird boxes, motorbike maintenance and more.

The winner was Bernice Richens, with Jigsaws as “this best represents lockdown pastimes”.

Club members are indeed talented, with Jetsam, the WCC Ukulele Band, continuing to meet during lockdown on social media, singing the Second World War songs they were supposed to sing at Woodbridge Library in celebration of VE Day. They are meeting up to rehearse and sing other melodies, from nautical to humorous

The club magazine, On Watch, is an excellent way to stay in touch, and members are sharing seagoing tales of past voyages, including humorous mishaps, and hearing news. Members are a well-travelled bunch (or should it be ‘fleet’), having sailed the seven seas, and are recounting yarns with voyages to Croatia, Holland, Caribbean and France, amongst other countries visited.

There are cruises planned for the future, and although all cruises are suspended for now, it is hoped some will be able to go ahead.

The club house garden is blooming, and as it is a dry garden (a la Beth Chatto) it is looking especially lovely this time of year. It was so lucky it was designed to be maintenance free, and as people walk along the river bank they can admire the blooms. There is a useful planter’s guide for passer-bys who are interested in the exact plants.

If you enjoy all things nautical and have a boat (whether power or sail), the cruising club is for you. If you are tempted by the activities (albeit remotely nowadays), do check out the club website where full details can be found.

www.woodbridgecruisingclub.or

SET SAXMUNDHAM SCHOOL It is most definitely business as usual at SET Saxmundham School. We may be officially closed to students, except children of keyworkers, but all schoolwork continues via our online provision.

Great work is being produced by our students. We are immensely proud of them and how they have adapted to these unprecedented times.

Our amazing teaching and support staff continue to underpin learning whether at home or in school, and we have had much positive feedback from local families.

Our new Head of School, Lizzie Girlung, said: “I am proud to be joining such a proactive school and cannot wait until September to meet our full complement of both staff and students”.

We are continuing with other activities, including warmly welcoming our September intake of Year 7 students via online groups to ensure they get a good introduction to our school and be part of a smooth transition up to secondary school.

Our open evenings for Years 4 and 5 have also transferred online, with many signing up for a live Zoom Q&A session and using our dedicated web page to find out about life at our school: www.saxmundhamschool.org.uk/virtual-open-evening

Following on from these are online or phone drop-in sessions for admissions. Please do get in touch if you are interested in a place at our school for your child.

SET Saxmundham School, Seaman Avenue, Saxmundham IP17 1DZ01728 633910 / saxmundham@seckfordeducation.org.uk

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FINANCIAL PLANNING IN A PANDEMIC

Really,thisisa‘whathappensnext?’issue.Hopefullyyouwillallhavebeenorganisedenoughtobeonasensiblefinancialplanto

(a) makesurethatyouarewellinsuredagainstperils likeillhealthanddeathandare

(b) lookingtoyourlongertermfutureandmakingthe ‘deferringconsumption’choicebyputtingmoneyaway sothatyoucaneventuallyexitwageslaverywithcomfort anddignity.

This,ofcourse,allassumesthatyoucanearnaliving.

Butwenowhaveahiccough in thatplanning if youare in theprivatesectoroftheeconomy.Statesectoremployeeswilllikelybelargelyshelteredfromtheeffectofthelockdown.

Youmaybefurloughed.Inwhichcase,areyourfurloughedwagesadequatetocoveryourbasicneeds,yournecessary insurancesandpension?

Ifnot,whatdoyoucancelorsuspendfirst?

Ifyoucancelalifeinsurancepolicy,willyoubeabletobereinsuredlater?Atwhatprice?

Ifyoucancelyourpensionsaving,whateffectwillthathaveonyourfinalpensionorretirementdate?

Ifyouneedtousecapitaltokeepbodyandsoultogether,whatinvestmentsshouldyousellfirst?

Andisthatagoodideaatallas,arguably,assetpricesaredepressed?

Lookingfurtherout,willyouremployersurvivethislockdown?

Maybetheywillonlybeabletoofferreducedhoursand/oralowerwage?

Areyoureadyforthat?

If you would like to discuss any of this with a friendly anddispassionate ear, please contact us. A quick chat may bevaluable.Orwecanorganisealongerdiscussion(technologywillletusdothatremotely)formoredetailedquestions.

And in the spiritof thetime,weareofferingourtime for thiswithout charge. You may then be better prepared for whathappensnext.

Livelongandprosper.

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ON THE GRAPEVINE

The East of England Co-op is donating £45,000 to support the creation of safe environments and provide mental health support for children and young people impacted by domestic abuse in our region. This is the second large scale donation to be made from the East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund, created to support local good causes adapt, enhance and continue to provide much needed services in new and innovative ways.Funds will be distributed by the Suffolk Community Foundation, in partnership with Essex and Norfolk Community Foundations, to local refuges and organisations supporting young people impacted by domestic abuse and violence. Supporting young people was one of the four causes voted for by East of England Co-op members, alongside supporting older people, reducing food poverty and tackling food waste. East of England Co-op members can continue to donate to the Community Cares Fund, by donating some or all of their dividend. Details can be found at: www.eastofengland.coop/communitycares Domestic abuse has sadly always been an issue, however the need to remain at home during lockdown has made, and continues to make, life even harder for those living with an abusive partner, family member or carer. A survey carried out by Women’s Aid in April 2020, confirmed that social distancing measures had already impacted those experiencing domestic abuse. Of those who responded: • 67.4% said abuse had gotten worse since the Coronavirus crisis started• 76.1% said that they were having to spend more time with their abuserThere had also been an increase in post-separation abuse.Many of those who seek support from organisations like Women’s Aid have children, who can often feel angry, guilty, insecure, alone, frightened,

powerless or confused as a result of their experiences of domestic abuse.Women’s Aid’s The Domestic Abuse Report 2020: The Annual Audit, found that: • Of women in refuge services 64.1% had children• Of women in community-based services 58.1% had childrenSuffolk Community Foundation CEO Stephen Singleton said: “The positive results that are achieved by organisation’s addressing issues of abuse have never been needed more than they are today. As the numbers of those needing help increase, as we come out of lockdown, this vital funding could not have come at a better time to re-build local lives.”

The East of England Co-op have spoken with a number of refuges and organisations in Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk to understand the pressures they are currently facing and what support they need to continue to help children and young people impacted by domestic abuse.

Lighthouse Women’s Aid, Bury Women’s Aid Centre and Orwell Housing’s Liberty Project are three of the refuges in the region to receive a £4,600 donation from the East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund. The remaining funds will be distributed between other local organisations and support services.

Niall O’Keeffe, Joint Chief Executive for the East of England Co-op, said: “We are proud to be working with the Community Foundations across our region to deliver a new grants programme to support children impacted by domestic abuse. I would like to thank our members who have generously donated all or part of their dividend to the Co-op Community Cares Fund. It is thanks to them that we are able to provide this support and make a positive impact on young lives in our communities.”

Those in need of support or guidance can visit www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support or call the National Domestic Abuse

OUR COMMUNITY CARES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IMPACTED BY DOMESTIC ABUSE

14 In Touch online:

As we start to ease out of lockdown it would be easy to fall back into old habits and stop taking our daily exercise, which we have been doing during these challenging times.

At In Touch we are committed to supporting our readers to stay active and live healthy lives and are pleased to be continuing our partnership with the Keep Moving Su�olk campaign to bring you ideas, tips and inspirational stories to help keep you motivated.

@keepmovingsu�olk @Most_Active

@keepmovingsu�olk

Helping older adults stay active at homeA drop in physical activity levels can lead to physical deconditioning that increases the risk of falls, loss of physical capacity and increased need for care.

A new Active at Home booklet from Public Health England (PHE) aims to help older adults keep up their activity levels while isolating due to coronavirus (Covid-19).

The booklet provides practical guidance to older adults on home-based activities to maintain their strength and balance and can be accessed and downloaded from the Keep Moving Su�olk website Activities for Older People. . www.keepmovingsu�olk.com/exercise-if-youre-older

Women’s Tour Virtual cycling challengeA limited number of 500 places are available on the KMS Women’s Tour Virtual challenge taking place in July and August.

Win VIP tickets to the 2021 Women’s Tour in Su�olk

For full details on how to secure a place on the challenge visit the Keep Moving Su�olk website,www.keepmovingsu�olk.com

Meet your emotional needs and avoid stressAs well as being good for our mental health through the release of endorphins and burning o� cortisol, moving about and getting some exercise meets other Emotional Needs that help us avoid stress.

For example, when we feel that we’re competent at something, taking on new learning and achieving things, we feel good about ourselves and this builds self-esteem. This need for Achievement can be met through exercise and physical activity. The Couch-to-5k app is great for building up to achievement in small, manageable steps.

We also need to feel valued, like we have a place in the world and a standing in the communities we’re part of. The Strava app tracks your progress as you run for slightly longer, or slightly faster, and shares that progress with people who can give you “kudos” is a great way to meet that need for Status – to feel proud of what you’ve accomplished.

As we possibly look forward to some kind of return to the way life was before lockdown, it’s possible we will be able to participate in sports and activities that bring us into contact with others again. But in the meantime, there are online groups and social media pages that can help us feel part of something bigger than ourselves – getting our need for Community met. Even now, this can be met simply by going for a run and saying hello to fellow runners you meet.

And an often forgotten Emotional Need is that of Privacy. This isn’t about keeping things secret or data compliance. It’s about getting away from the many distractions of the modern world. Getting out of the house and going for a walk, run, cycle ride, scoot…whatever takes your fancy, getting a little exercise is a great way to get some time to yourself.

Stay safe and stay well, Jon Neal, CEO Su�olk Mind

www.keepmovingsu�olk.com

The Keep Moving Su�olk website is a trusted source of information, advice and useful links to help you, your family and local community to get active and stay active.Send us your videos and images to show us how you are keeping active using #keepmovingsu�olk www.keepmovingsu�olk.com

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ON THE GRAPEVINE

StevefromWoodbridgeasks:“Iamcominguptomy60thbirthdayandalthoughIdon’tintendtoretirenow,Iwouldliketotakethetax-freelumpsumfrommypensiontopayforanewcarandaspecialholiday.Idon’twanttobuyanannuity,asIamgoingtokeepworking,andIwon’tneedtheextraincomeyet.Isitpossibletojusthave the lumpsumandnot takean incomefromtheremainingpensionfund?”

Yes, it is Steve. ou can actually take the benefits from a pension, including the tax-free lump sum, at any age from 55 onwards. Also, after taking the lump sum you no longer have to buy an annuity with your remaining pension fund (the income for life that your pension fund historically would have purchased from an insurance or annuity company).

You have explained in your email to me that you are a self-employed electrician and that you pay higher rate tax on some of your earnings. Not only do you not need the additional income from an annuity right now, but also, if you did take that income it would be added to your self-employed earnings and taxed at 40%, which just does not make sense.

Your pension fund is valued at around £200,000. You can take a maximum of 25% of the fund value as a tax-free pension commencement lump sum, (PCLS), so in your case that will be around £50,000. To be able to take the PCLS without having to buy an annuity you will need to transfer your current personal pension into a Self-Invested Personal Pension or SIPP and enter into flexible access pension drawdown.

After transferring your current personal pension into a SIPP, up to 25% of the pension fund is taken as a tax-free lump sum straight away – the £50,000 referred to above. However, instead of buying an annuity with your remaining pension fund, the money stays invested within the SIPP wrapper as a flexible pension drawdown fund.

An income can be withdrawn from the fund, but you don’t have to take an income if you don’t want to.

When you do decide to take an income, as the name ‘Flexible Access Drawdown’ implies, you can take as much or as little as you want, although you should of course consider the impact of large withdrawals on the fund value and you should always try to take a sustainable amount.

There are a number of advantages with flexible access drawdown overbuyinganannuity:• The tax-free lump sum can be taken straight away regardless of when you start taking any income.

• The income can be varied or deferred completely and when you do take income it can be changed to suit your needs – hence ‘flexible access’.

• You can purchase an annuity at any time, for example; if rates improve.

• The fund remains invested in a tax-efficient pension wrapper.

• You can even continue making additional pension contributions into a separate section of the plan, and (from that part of it) you can take a further tax-free lump sum at a later date.

• When you die, the pension fund passes to your nominated beneficiaries.

Therecanalsobesomedisadvantages:• Annuity rates may have fallen by the time you want to buy an annuity.

• The remaining fund value is not guaranteed and is dependent on investment performance, just as your pension fund is now. That means your fund value and any income produced by that fund is not guaranteed and the value of the fund and any income produced from it can fall.

However, for someone like you, who does not need additional income for the foreseeable future, but who wants access to their tax-free lump sum now, flexible drawdown can be an excellent option to traditional annuity purchase.

Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email nickplumb@aol.com, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301.

Nick’s comments and answers to reader’s questions in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require advice on their own situation should contact Nick to arrange a no-obligation complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position. Plumb Financial Services are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

QUESTIONS ON CASH WITH INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISER NICK PLUMB

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