Good language and composition skills (punctuation, grammar, spelling and sentence structure) are a must, and - since most copy is sent via e-mail - computer literacy is essential. When completed each month, the finished document is e-mailed to the village website, and printing is done at Honington Primary School.

Anyone interested in taking up this challenge should contact:-

Lynne Fugle, 01359 269708

Group Chairman, David Corrie, reported the submission of an application for £50,000 with the Heritage Lottery Fund. A decision is due in the autumn, but fundraising is still needed, whatever the outcome.

The May Flower Festival was a great success, in spite of terrible weather, and it was suggested it could be repeated on alternate years - next in 2010.

Lynne Fugle explained the organisation of an Auction of Promises, which was an excellent fundraiser. The idea was well received and will be discussed further.

The Easter Saturday refreshments in the Church in tandem with the Hen Party at the Kitchen Garden will be repeated and organised by Sue Bishop. It was suggested this should be teamed with another village event.

The group was asked to organise teas again, linked with the National Gardens Scheme open garden at the Kitchen Garden.

Roger Anderson had kindly agreed to lead a History Walk around the parish next Summer.

Other plans also included concerts.

Volunteers will be needed and valued!

Sue Sollohub,
Group Secretary
01359 269574

Proceeds grossing around £700, including some very generous donations, go to the Troston Heritage Appeal for the conservation of the wall paintings. After the deduction of some expenses, the total will be added - it is hoped - to a Heritage Lottery sum. The appeal group has applied for £50,000 to safeguard them from deterioration. The outcome should be known by September.

The appeal group warmly thanks all the volunteers who created the Flower Festival, including the children, those who made and/or served the refreshments, worked behind the scenes, took Songs of Praise and publicised the event, and who otherwise contributed to its success in any other way.

Sue and Ted Haynes showed a fascinating range of postcards of Troston past, while Pauline Whitaker-Bethel provided Troston memories on-screen. The Festival was teamed with Francine Raymond’s National Garden Scheme Open Garden opposite, at the Kitchen Garden, which was on view under the Scheme for the first time. The project was co-ordinated by Susan Sollohub (Heritage Group Secretary), Judith Brown (Group member), David Corrie (Chairman) and Canon Sally Fogden (Floral Display Organiser).

The flower arrangers included talented ladies from Troston, Honington, Bardwell, Euston and Great Livermere. Thank you everyone. The church looked wonderful!

Sue Sollohub

Click on the link below, to read minutes of Parish Council meetings.

Minutes of Past Meetings 

The Kitchen Garden, in Church Lane, is owned and run by Francine Raymond. Francine has lived in Troston for over 20 years, and started The Kitchen Garden about 12 years ago.

A keen gardener herself, Francine offers a selection of herbs, vegetable and perennial plants, as well as an array of locally-produced artefacts, all from the rural idyll that is her “back yard”.

An established author, Francine has written many books on the pleasures and practicalities of keeping garden poultry, and her beloved stock of rare breeds can be found wandering through her premises, supplying all her egg needs, and delighting all who live in - and visit - The Kitchen Garden.

Francine has also written several recipe books explaining how to grow, pick and cook your own vegetables.

Nestling in the tranquillity of a country lane, opposite Troston Church, The Kitchen Garden is a picture of serene and rustic charm, and it opens for business each year at Easter, with an event timed to coincide with the traditional Easter services on offer across the road. Each year, the “HEN PARTY”, as it’s known locally, offers the opportunity to look round at the rare breeds on display, purchase plants and produce, and sample refreshments, whilst the youngsters enjoy an Egg Hunt in the churchyard.

This year’s event took place on Saturday 22 March, and featured an Easter Bonnet competition, which was judged by local BBC weather girl, Julie Reinger.

The Kitchen Garden is open Fridays and Saturdays, 10 am - 5 pm, from Easter to the end of September. For more information, visit:-

www.kitchen-garden-hens.co.uk

Visit the Photo Gallery for more pictures of The Kitchen Garden.

To view a previous Spotlight (Troston Village Fete) , click on the link below.

Do you have a little time to spare for others?

Then Ixworth Patients’ Association would like to hear from you!

We operate a Voluntary Driver scheme to enable people to get to and from Ixworth and Stanton Surgeries - people who have no other means of transport.

Extra drivers are always welcome to join the Team. We pay 40p per mile.

If you would like to know more, please leave your name and telephone number with Reception at Ixworth Surgery.

Ixworth Patients’ Association

• More “Next Day” appointments

• More appointments “bookable up to 4 weeks in Advance” with the Doctor of your choice

Early Morning Starts: Once a week, a GP will be starting surgery at 8 am, to try to help those patients who need early appointments due to work and other commitments. You can book these in advance, so please ask at Reception if you need an early morning appointment. If the system works well, it is hoped to introduce pre-bookable appointments from 8 am every morning!

Late Finishes: The surgery is hoping to start trialling a late night surgery soon.

Approximately one third of parishes across Suffolk are now either considering - or engaged in - the process, which aims to enhance village life through the means of a comprehensive consultation exercise designed to ascertain what residents want from their parish.

A majority vote in favour of such a plan was given. Click on the link below to read the full report of the meeting.

Parish Plan Meeting Report, 12 November 2007

To read reports of the Steering Committee, click on the links below:-

Parish Plan Inaugural Meeting Report, 24 January 2008

Report of Meeting held 19 March 2008

Report of Meeting held 10 April 2008

Report of Meeting held 29 May 2008

Report of Meeting held 23 June 2008

Report of Meeting held 28 July 2008

The children had a terrific time and, as well as the usual tea and tombola stalls, this year’s raffle boasted a top prize of a light aircraft ride over the village for up to 3 people. The Bull pub added a touch of class, with girl group The Floozies performing in the garden, right alongside the barbecue stand.

In the space of just a few short hours, the residents of Troston came together and managed to raise over £600, which will be split between the Village Hall and the Church.

Our thanks go to Jane Harland who once again worked her socks off to organise the event, and to everyone else who manned the stalls, donated prizes or helped in any other way.