No 9

Welcome to the new look Banter. Please let me know what you think of the format. The main focus on this edition is a mid-term review of the progress made to date with the church restoration fund, events past and future, as well as some of the usual updates. Enjoy!

BOYTON CHURCH RESTORATION UPDATE
Fund raising has got off to a really good start. The Beverley Klein concert raised over £900 and Nicola's Tea Shop raised £500 bringing the total after five events to £1942. Please note that any expenses incurred for an event will be reimbursed, but if the contribution is donated please consider presenting the receipts through Gift Aid which increases the value by 28%.
In July consultants inspected the spiral turret staircase in the tower of Boyton Church and samples have been sent to the Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences at the University of Wales for analysis. The unusual staircase is made of septaria which is formed in nodules from a mixture of calcium carbonate and clay minerals formed around a decaying animal or fossil. So it is not surprising that as the years pass cracks form and the steps begin to disintegrate! The consulting engineer is proposing ways of repairing the treads but without reducing the visual appearance of the feature.
Fred Stentiford

AN ILLUMINATING THOUGHT
Remember be in when you are out&" Lights On Timers"
could prevent a burglar taking your LOT
For further advice contact me on 01473 383479
Keith Bartlett
Crime Reduction Officer
for the Woodbridge & Felixstowe Sectors

Here is a brief summary of some of the wonderful things weve been up to so far this year in aid of the church restoration fund.

Back in May, our very own Wilford Singers held their concert in the church with proceeds towards the restoration fund. The church was full to overflowing with people and some beautiful voices. We were fortunate to hear another musical medley from around the world and from across the musical spectrum. Many thanks to Jo and his choir, we look forward with anticipation for your next concert...

We were also most privileged to have a cabaret in the church on August 14th. Beverly Klein, accompanied by Nicolas Bloomfield, also filled the church in good old fashioned West End style to an evening of entertainment. It was amazing how such a petit person could fill the church with her fabulous voice and sense of fun. Many thanks to Aline, Matt & Penny for making this such a great night we shall all remember for a long time to come.

A big thank you for supporting the Sunday tea room we set up at the village hall in August. We raised a grand total of £500 for the church building fund and had a really enjoyable time too. The tea room was a great success thanks to the following people who worked very hard: Pat Fleetwood for regular supplies of cakes and hands on assistance, Malcolm Fleetwood for the signs and maps, Penny Miller for roping in Jason at Bonnets restaurant in Felixstowe to bake the very popular caramel shortbread and carrot and walnut cake every week, Zoe for her very regular and excellent assistance in the tea room, and all the other volunteers and cake bakers, Val Murray, Isobel Lilley, Brenda Williamson, Kay Stoddart, Sandy Gibeon, Rhonna Sturrock, John Carpmael and Ali Crawford. Thanks to for all those who provided art, crafts and entertainment which added a lovely and varied touch to the whole event. Nicola Cassy

Another fantastic fete with wonderful weather, the sun shone and just a gentle breeze - how many of you spotted the bright pink bloomers and golden socks in the new bunting? The village hall and grounds were bustling with the sounds of music, laughter and full of merriment. This year there were many more games and activities for the children which were a real hit as they didnt want us to stop, despite it being the end of the day  I do hope that pony has recovered. Thanks to everyone who donated, helped, organised and attended for making this another successful event. This year we raised a record £1505 for the church and village hall (refer to village hall notice board for a detailed breakdown).
NB. The money raised from the fete goes towards the general running costs of the hall and church. This amounts to approx. 50% of the yearly total needed just to keep them open. Hence it does not contribute towards the additional funds needed to restore the building  see other articles for updates on that project.

Below are a few of the forthcoming events weve got to look forward to.

Peggy Cole, author, radio & TV broadcaster and columnist for the EADT will talk most lovingly about her award-winning garden "Akenfield". Peggy is a true Suffolk woman who has kindly offered to share her life experiences. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet Peggy and listen to her after dinner speech, following a 3 course Harvest Festival Supper and raffle in aid of the Church Restoration fund. Bring a bottle (corkage). Sat 16 October, 7.30pm Boyton Village Hall. Tickets £6.50 are limited so apply early  Call Isobel 411409.

• Sat 2 October, Coffee Morning, 10:3012:00, Boyton Village Hall
• Sat 16 October, Harvest Supper with Peggy Cole, 7.30pm Boyton Village Hall
• Sat 6 November, Coffee Morning, 10:3012:00, Boyton Village Hall
• Sat 4 December, Coffee Morning & Xmas Bazaar, 10:3012:00, Boyton Village Hall
• Thur 9 December, Salvation Army Carol Service, 7pm Boyton Church, STC
• Sat 18 December, Wilford Singers Concert, 7pm, Boyton Church
• Sat 12 February, Valentine Day Concert, further details to be confirmed
• Sat 19 March, Sir Peter Wright, Talk on Ballet in aid of Boyton Church Restoration, Woodbridge School, subject to confirmation.

Wanted  large keyboard or one-manual organ for loan/use in Boyton Church. 411642.

Are you looking for a new direction and for something worthwhile that you can channel all that parenting experience in to? If the answer is yes then you could be just the sort of person Home-Start Suffolk Coastal is looking for to join its very friendly team of volunteers. As a volunteer you would be matched with a family with young children needing support and you would spend a morning or afternoon a week bringing an extra pair of hands, a listening ear and maybe a help with transport. For a family feeling lonely and overwhelmed, your caring presence could make all the difference. It could help a mum and/or data and the children regain enjoyment in being a family and help them to know that bringing up children is a challenge for everyone, not just for them. Our next preparation course for volunteers begins in late September so if you are interested and would like to know more please phone Home Start Suffolk Coastal on 01394 389402.

Phone your local surgery (day or night, that number is right!)

You might have already heard that local Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) will take over the responsibility for ensuring that you can get appropriate medical advice and treatment when your GP surgery is closed. In Suffolk this will happen from 1 October.
What does this mean to you? You dont need to worry about this change as you can continue to expect the same high quality service that is currently provided, with very few changes:

• During normal surgery hours Mon-Fri (except public holidays) you can access a member of your GP practice team at your local surgery in the usual way.
• If you need urgent advice or treatment outside these hours you should ring your local surgery telephone number, whereupon you will be transferred or directed to the on call service, in the same way that you are now
• You will then be able to speak to a GP or nurse, and may asked to attend a local Primary Care centre for assessment or treatment, in the same way that you are now
• If clinically necessary you will still be able to receive a home visit from a GP.

However, before seeking advice, have you considered: Speaking to your pharmacist.
Calling NHS Direct 0845 4647. If your problem can wait until your local surgery opens&

So what is different? The most important difference is that under the new national contract, most GPs will not open their surgeries on Saturday morning. So now you will be directed to the on call emergency service during this time. This is important if you normally collect your prescriptions on a Saturday because you will now need to do this in normal surgery hours during the week. If you are unsure please speak to a member of staff at your surgery who will be happy to help.