Layham Parish Council
The main matters covered in the Parish Council Meeting of 28 July were:
• Our District Councillor outlined the continuing negotiations concerning the possible voluntary merger of Babergh with Mid-Suffolk District Council.
• The idea of creating an e-Community in Layham (all homes having the opportunity to be on an e-Mail distribution list for urgent news) was raised. It will be discussed at the next meeting.
• Plans have been drawn up and costings have been received by the Green Team for the construction of an Upper Layham local waste management site (or Bring Site). Funding now has to sought and the details shared with those who live near the proposed site.
• Satisfaction was expressed at the completion of the multi-purpose hard play area on the playing field.
• The Clerk’s salary is to be paid (backdated) as £210 per month for 2009/10 and is to be £225 per month during 2010/11. Funding is also to be made available to enable her to complete her advanced qualification through the Suffolk Association of Local Councils.
• Another parishioner has been added to the allotment waiting list. It was agreed to consider the establishment of more allotments. This subject to be discussed at the next full meeting of the Council

Playing Field
Baptism of the multi-purpose play area. On a warm summer afternoon, a variety of games were set up on the new hard surface and local children and visitors had a chance to experiment with several different games. Over the afternoon children and young people were seen to be playing basketball; tennis; hockey; cricket; football and using bicycles and skateboards.
Everyone who took part agreed that the surface is a great new asset. Now we must save the pennies to provide some permanent equipment in order that the area is used to its full potential.
It would be good if a keen parent started an ‘informal club’ in something like volleyball, short tennis or cricket. If that appeals to you then please contact Terri Newman on 824993 and we will see how the Playing Field Management Committee can help.

Playing Field 100 Club
The winners of the July draw were:
£15 Laing Ticket No 18
£10 Cage Ticket No 3

St Andrew's - your parish church
Services in September
5th Sept 10.30 am Family Worship
12th Sept 9.15 am Sung Eucharist
19th Sept 9.15 am Said Eucharist (BCP) 10.15 am Cafe Church
26th Sept 9.15 am Family Eucharist

Congratulations to Timothy Pannell and Alice Gales on their recent marriage at St Andrew's.

Suffolk Historic Churches Trust Sponsored Cycle Ride
11 September 9 am - 5 pm.
Please join in and raise money for St Andrew's and for SHCT - cycle or walk to as many churches as you wish. Sponsor forms are available on the back pew of St Andrew's Church.

Scratch dial on Layham Church
In medieval times (1100-1600) ‘scratch’ dials were often etched into the stonework on the south walls of parish churches – usually on stonework around the main doorway. The term ‘scratch’ is used as most of these were lightly cut. Layham church has such a dial. It is a circle with radiating lines scratched so that the shadow of the peg, placed in the central hole, would indicate to the bell ringer the times he should ring the bell to call parishoners to church services. Our Layham dial is at the south facing doorway and although well worn it is possible to make out the horizontal line which marks 6am to 6pm. The other marks indicate the times of the daily services. Thank you to Noel Herring for pointing this out.

Hot Sunday Lunch
Advance notice - 31 October in Layham Village Hall A very popular event so book in good time with either Sonia Groom on 822220 or Audrey King on 822081. Full details in the next magazine.

Would you like a Walnut Tree in your garden?
The Parish Tree Warden (Michael Woods) has access to a few walnut trees that have been grown in pots. If you would like one please phone 823798 and place your order. First come – first served!

Art installation in Layham?
You may be aware of some of the art installations which are erected in public places around the country. Often they are abstract. Imagine my surprise when this piece, named ‘Pipework 2010’ appeared at the entrance to Brett Green. I was lucky to see it – it was only exhibited for a couple of hours and then put back in its box.
Maybe we should ask the Parish Council to consider making some permanent purchases – with a view to attracting tourists?