buryflyer_dec2010 by Gary Rayner

buryflyer_dec2010.qxp

06/12/2010

10:38

Page 1

ISSUE 20 - DEC 10

The Bury St Edmunds & District Flyer 2010. Views and opinions mentioned are not necessarily those of the editor or proprietor and no responsibility will be taken for the accuracy of information contained herein. For further information on advertising in the Flyer, please call 01284 774 778 email:adrian.bradshaw@flyeronline.co.uk Typesetting: Phil Grove & Jonathan Trotter, Proprietor: Adrian Bradshaw. All advert layouts & design are property of The Bury St Edmunds & District Flyer Typesetting, design & print The Flyer Press Ltd (01394) 283371. The standard charge for unauthorised reproduction is ÂŁ250

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at The Bury Flyer!

buryflyer_dec2010.qxp

06/12/2010

10:38

Mayors Update

Page 3

Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre

Mayor of St Edmundsbury Activities November had me attending some twenty-eight very diverse events. For example the Bury Sea Cadets had a ceremony to dedicate two huge anchors donated to them by the US Navy contingent based at RAF Mildenhall who were themselves relocated to a home base. The Sea Cadets looking very smart indeed held a splendid parade in freezing temperatures supported by a prestiious honour guard supplied by the USAF. The event was attended by senior officers from the Sea Scouts Association and USAF. On other days, amongst other things, I supported local businesses and charities. I attended the official opening of two important housing projects on Moreton Hall and the new funeral service business in town.

Christmas lights I was most privileged to turn on the Christmas lights at both Bury St Edmunds and Clare and holding the countdown to the start of the Bonfire Night celebrations in the Abbey Gardens. I may never get over the fact I was asked to dance on the stage at the lights switch-on in Bury St Edmunds with Mother Goose, the Pantomime Dame and Father Christmas to Slade's 'Merry Christmas Everyone' (by the way Noddy Holder is no relative!). Great fun and a superb turn out by the public at all three events.

Photo of the month

Where the public did turn out in vast numbers was at the hugely popular (7th) Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre organised by the Borough Council which I had the honour of formally opening from the Angel Hill sound stage. Early indications show that in excess of 80,000 people descended on the town over the three days. Some people are bizarrely complaining that the event is too successful as there were unsurprisingly some traffic and parking problems.

Following last year's bad weather, the county council's parish grit bin scheme has been extended to cover even more rural areas. Under the scheme, town and parish councils provide grit bins and named volunteers for spreading grit, and the bins are topped up during the winter by the county council's highways teams.

I had great fun parading through the town with a Town Crier deafening all with his bell. Despite sub-zero temperatures everybody was enjoying themselves and that is what it all about. There were far too many interesting stalls etc., to mention but 'The 'Living Nativity' with alpacas and Holly the donkey was a great hit with young and old alike.

The government is keen to see communities helping themselves. Last year, there was concern over individual's liability if they cleared snow and ice, so for members of the local community, who want to help clear school sites and pathways for themselves and their neighbours, it has issued guidance and reassurance on the very small risk of incurring liability provided reasonable care is taken. For full details on the Snow Code visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/NI1/Newsroom/DG 191868

Remembrance Services The most poignant and thought provoking events this month were the Remembrance Services, parades and wreath laying ceremonies I attended as Borough mayor in both Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill. We must never forget our soldiers and it really came home to me at the services held in the Rose Garden of the Abbey Gardens for the 94th Bombardment Group, The Dunkirk Veterans and The Normandy Veterans of which there are precious few men and women alive today who can tell the story. It was heart-warming to see so many representatives of the schools and young people of Borough supporting these events. December's diary is filling up nicely but it looks like I will be in various churches and the Cathedral attending more than a few carol services, including my own. Happy Christmas Everyone.

Letters to the Editor

To get your views, stories and ideas published in The Flyer send your letter to us at:

adrian.bradshaw@flyeronline.co.uk

which includes A and B roads in the county and routes to main hospitals and fire stations as well as routes with more than 4,000 movements a day. These gritting routes attempt to cover schools where practicable but there may not be complete coverage.

Early morning mist and frosty ground. This shot was taken in the grounds of Ickworth house, Nr Bury St. Edmunds Suffolk. Name and address supplied. Send your photos of the month to monthlyeditorial@hotmail.co.uk to have your photos featured in The Bury Flyer and online at www.flyeronline.co.uk

What to do in bad weather

As in previous years, Suffolk County council will once again be working with members of the Suffolk Resilience Forum which includes Suffolk Constabulary, NHS Suffolk, Waveney and Great Yarmouth NHS, as well as district and borough councils to ensure the county's residents stay safe during the current adverse weather conditions. The Suffolk Community Resilience Website has been developed to provide quick and easy access to information, help, advice and resources for people across the county who want to make a difference in how their community is prepared for an emergency. More details on how to register interest or how to seek advice on how to get involved is available the website: http://getpreparednow.co.uk

With forecasters predicting snow and ice over the next few days, Suffolk County Council wants to let people in the county know what is being done to keep the county moving during bad weather and give advice on how they can keep safe during this time. As the temperatures drop people are being asked to keep an eye out for elderly and vulnerable neighbours. Classic signs that someone is in difficulties are mail or newspapers hanging out of the letterbox, milk bottles left on the doorstep uncollected, a house in darkness when there should be someone at home and curtains remaining closed throughout the day. If you have any concerns at all about an elderly or vulnerable person living nearby, please knock on the door to check they are alright. If you have serious concerns, contact the emergency services. If it snows, check if older people can get to the shops and have what they need in the house. Encourage people to use their heating, drop in some essential supplies or extra blankets if you can, and make sure that driveways and steps are ice free. Bad weather and other emergencies can force schools to close and although the headteacher is responsible for making this decision, the local authority advice is to remain open except in the most extreme or exceptional circumstances. Headteachers will make the decision between 6 am and 7 am and information relating to any school that have closed will be available to view at schoolclosures.suffolk.gov.uk During icy conditions Suffolk County Council will salt its priority 1 routes

December 2009 by Graeme Miles

Please mention the Flyer when responding to advertisements.

www.flyeronline.co.uk

buryflyer_dec2010.qxp

06/12/2010

10:38

Page 5

News from David Ruffley MP Christmas at Ickworth - Weekends in December SIZE. The New Wolsey Theatre Box Office 01473 295900. Ickworth will host amateur choirs from across the region to sing carols at www.wolseytheatre.co.uk weekends. If your choir would like to take part please contact 01284 Cinderella - Saturday 18th December to Monday 23rd January 735961. Christmas wouldn't be the same without a traditional pantomime for all Mrs Pretty's House at Christmas - 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19 December, the family to enjoy. The Dennis Lowe Theatre company will be presenting 11am - 4pm the all-time favourite, Cinderella running throughout the Christmas The Sutton Hoo. Normal admission. Spa Pavilion Theatre, Tickets : £12.50 Children £8.00 Family (2+2) £36.00. The Spa Pavilion Theatre Box Office 01394 282726 www.thespaChristmas Spectacular 2010 pavilion.com Saturday 4th December The Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge Tickets: £12.20 (Concessions £11.00) Peter Pan on Ice - December Saturday 18th to Thursday 30th (excluding Christmas Day) Ice Age, Ipswich Museum - Saturday 4th December This spectacular adaptation of J. M. Barrie's famous story of the boy who Suitable for all ages never grew up, performed by the world renowned Russian Ice Stars, is Carols by Candlelight with the Locrian - Friday 10th December the Regent Theatre's must-see Christmas show. Peter Pan On Ice has a Spa Pavilion Theatre Box Office 01394 282126 www.thespapavilion.org limited run of just two weeks this Christmas - so book early as tickets really Charity Festive Evening at Suffolk Food Hall - Friday 10th December, will fly! 01473 433100. Tickets: £29.00, £26.50, £24.00, £21.50, £15.00, 6.30pm £10.00 (concessions available) Festive evening supporting Suffolk Family Carers Christmas shopping, Ice Rink on the Seafront in Felixstowe - Monday 20th to Friday 24th tastings, demos, luxury draw, live music, mulled wine, mince pies £5 per December, 10am to 5pm (Christmas Eve close at 4pm) ticket (proceeds to charity) A special treat for the festive season and a traditional winter pastime, Christmas at Valley Farm, Flatford - Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th Suffolk Coastal has organised for a synthetic mobile ice skating rink to be December, 11am - 3.30pm at Ocean Boulevard amusements and refreshments kiosk between Sea Ipswich Santa Run - Sunday 12th December, 11am Road and the Promenade, Felixstowe, from Monday 20 December to Sign up for The Santa Charity Fun Run 2010 in aid of EACH Tree house Christmas Eve. Discounted tickets are available from Felixstowe Tourist Appeal. Ipswich waterfront, Start and Finish at Dance East. Route suitable Information Centre. Book in advance or on the day for wheelchairs and pushchairs, approx 3km. Adults £10 (including Santa Suit) or Under 14 (£5 including Santa Hat). Entries Online at Winter Tales at Moyse's Hall - Sunday 12 December www.each.org.uk or call 01473 276115. Chills and thrills to send a shiver down the spine are on offer on Sunday 12 December when the Victorian gentleman will be reading another Carols on the Coast at Dunston Heath - Wednesday 15 December, two classic M R James ghost stories; 'An Episode of Cathedral History' 1.30m - 2.30pm and 'Two Doctors'. The talks are suitable for anyone aged 16years Leiston Middle School Brass Band will be playing and singing carols at through to adult. The cost is £10 per person which includes a seasonal Dunston Heath. The tea-room will be decorated for the festive season, drink and mince pie. Booking is essential as space is limited. serving mulled wine and mince pies (£3 per person). More information is available from Gill Hawkins, Heritage Officer at Christmas Fun at Dunston Heath - Saturday 18 December, 10.30am Moyse's Hall Museum, on 01284 757161 2pm Santa's reindeer have disappeared! See if you can complete the trail Meet Santa in Nowton Park - Sunday 12 December and find them and Santa! Ideally for children aged 5-12. Warm drink Take a magical carriage ride to meet Santa in the woods. A small gift for and biscuit supplied. Tickets £5 per child (includes a gift). every child. Meet at the Nowton park car park. One child and one accompanying adult £5, tow adults and up to three small children £10. Pantomime Time in Suffolk - oh yes it is! Booking essential. Please ring to book your time slot: 01284 757088. Mother Goose - Friday 3 December - Sunday 16 January A great evening out for the whole family. This panto classic is full of jokes, Christmas Garlands - Sunday 12 December japes and mayhem for all the family. Tickets £7.25 - £24.75. Theatre Learn how to make your own Christmas decorations using natural mateRoyal Box Office 01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org rials gathered from the park. Suitable for all the family - no unaccompaJack & the Beanstalk - 2 December 2010 - 4 February 2011 nied children. Please wear warm clothes. Meet at the Gardener's With Hit The Road Jack, Reach Out, I'll Be There, You To Me Are Cottage, Nowton Nursery. Everything, Sweetest Feeling and many more hit songs, brought to you live by our multi-talented cast of actor-musicians it can only be the Bury St Edmunds guided tour - Sunday 26 December - 2pm famous New Wolsey Theatre rock 'n' roll pantomime - this year it's GIANT from the Tourist Information Centre. Booking essential - phone 01284 764667.

I never pass up an opportunity to sing the praises of Bury St Edmunds so I was delighted to have the opportunity to speak in a debate on the economic development of historic towns and cities in the House of Commons recently.

David Ruffley MP

I declared I would yield to no one in my belief that Bury St Edmunds is the best historic town in the British Isles. Our links to Magna Carta and St Edmund make our town truly historic.

But historic towns must not stand still. Under intelligent and imaginative leadership Bury St Edmunds now combines the best of the past and present. Our new public building, the Apex, has received outstanding critical acclaim. If you haven't seen it yet, do go and have a look - it is a fantastic venue.

The Flyer December 2010 Page 2 Mayor's Update Page 3 David Ruffley MP Page 4 Local Matters Page 5 Focus 12 Page 6 ITFC Charitable Trust

Last Saturday as I shopped in the arc it was clear that there were visitors who travel from out of the county to shop in Bury St Edmunds. The arc is attracting people to the town who have rarely visited before and that is good news too for older shops elsewhere in the town.

Page 7 Horoscopes

The arc may not have been welcomed by all initially but statistics confirm its success. Bury St Edmunds has moved from 161st in the country's retail rankings to 145th. The main indicator of footfall in Bury St Edmunds is car parking and this has risen by 8%. Other retail centres in East Anglia have experienced a typical decrease of about 10% in the past two years. And our commercial property vacancy rate is lower than the East Anglian average.

Page 9 News from West Suffolk College

While taking this opportunity to wish all my constituents a very happy Christmas, I would also like to urge you to do your Christmas shopping in our wonderful town and support our local retailers.

Suffolk is FireFit For a Healthy Future

Page 8 Local News

Page 10 What's On guide Page 11 Photo of the Month

To Advertise Call 01284 774 778

Joe Ballard, London 2012 Inspire Programmer for the Eastern Region, presented Suffolk's Chief Fire Officer, Andy Fry, with a prestigious Inspire Mark certificate on Wednesday 1 December 2010 in recognition of a UK-wide challenge borne out of an idea in Suffolk. The Inspire Mark recognises exceptional and innovative projects across the UK that have been inspired by the 2012 games. The 'FireFit Health Challenge', which is based on a scheme running at Bury St Edmunds and Lowestoft fire stations, is aimed at improving the health of firefighters and local communities, as well as raising money for a range of charities. Joe Ballard said of the occasion; "We are delighted to welcome the 'FireFit Health Challenge' to the London 2012 family. We aim to promote firefighters as local heroes and inspirational role models and we are confident that, through this project, they will promote healthy living among young people across the county." Chief Fire Officer, Andy Fry, said; "London 2012 will see the world's greatest sporting spectacle come to the UK. I see this as a once in a lifetime focal point, around which people can be encouraged to become more physically active and generally healthier. This is simply too good an opportunity to miss. By combining the unique brand of the Olympics with the positive, physically-active brand of the fire and rescue service, the 'FireFit Health Challenge' provides a way of taking advantage of the opportunity presented by the games coming to London. ...cont’d on page 4

Copy Deadline For January 2011: 03/01/2011

The Bury St Edmunds & District Flyer - Est 2009 The Sudbury & District Flyer - Est 2009 Proprietor: Adrian Bradshaw St Andrews Castle, 33 St Andrews Street South, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3PH

Tel: 01284 774 778 e: marc.mason@flyeronline.co.uk w: www.flyeronline.co.uk Printed by The Flyer Press. Unit 9b-9c Bridge Rd, Felixstowe. IP11 7SL

Tel: 01394 283371

e: flyerpress@btinternet.com Delivered to every home & business by: Flyer Distribution Services.

Tel: 01394 283371

"Consult the professionals, choose the Flyer" Print - Marketing Distribution

New Year's Eve Charity Ball - Friday 31 December The Mayor of St Edmundsbury, Cllr Ian Houlder, invites you to his New Year's Eve Charity Ball, at 7pm at the Apex, Bury St Edmunds. Bucks Fizz reception. z Four course dinner z Dancing with music of all ages z Midnight celebrations - glass of bubbly and bacon roll z Charity raffle Tickets £75 each. Black tie. Proceeds to the Mayor's charities. Telephone 01284 757135 or email: mayors.office@stedsbc.gov.uk If you would like your event featured next month please email it to: flyerpress@btinternet.com

For full details of all of the above What's On's visit www.flyeronline.co.uk

Please mention the Flyer when responding to advertisements.

www.flyeronline.co.uk

buryflyer_dec2010.qxp

06/12/2010

10:38

Local Matters With Cllr Trevor Beckwith

Eastgate and Moreton Hall Division

Symonds Road Moreton Hall Following complaints from residents, we are finally getting a 7.5 tonne weight restriction on Symonds Road. Obviously, trucks carrying out residential deliveries need to have access but the HGV's that deliver to Lawson Place do not. If you see any breaches, please let me know the vehicle registration or company name.

Suffolk County Council Last month, I highlighted Suffolk County Council's proposals for "divestment" of its services. They propose to offload many services in an attempt to Cllr Trevor save 30% of their £1billion budget. A very hastily Beckwith arranged attempt at community "engagement" has been started but it will not address my belief that everyone should have the opportunity to make their views known. I have suggested that the local elections next May could be used to hold a referendum on the changes. Many people will welcome a smaller council but I urge them to look behind the headlines at what and who will replace the vital caring services provided at county level. If you have an opinion, I urge you to be proactive and have your say via www.suffolk.gov.uk/nsd because if you wait for them to come to you, it could be a long wait.

Skyliner Way, Moreton Hall A space has been created within the line of vehicles parked at the side of the road for a trial period to see if alleviates the unacceptable situation of vehicles having to straddle the centre line to get through. All this mucking about because the council failed to make provision for staff parking at the various businesses along the road. They refuse to do anything until after the trial but when it proves ineffective, as it will, I will take the matter back to the council.

Page 7

British Sugar, Hollow Road I recently joined the chairman of the Eastgate Ward Resident's Association at a meeting with British Sugar management. It's good that the company seem to be keen to increase involvement in the community and a couple of proposals are being considered. We enjoyed an interesting briefing which included an impressive list of the factory's end products. For example, their own combined heat and power unit not only caters for their own energy needs and those of a neighbouring plant, they also exports 50MW to the grid; enough for 120,000 people. Really impressive and to find out more, their web site has much information, including details of their world-wide operations. There's much more to our neighbours than just winter steam!

The Coffee Shop Good to see The Coffee Shop is now open at Lawson Place. I supported it at the planning stage and hope it does well. Cllr Trevor Beckwith, Eastgate and Moreton Hall, Bury St Edmunds

Suffolk is FireFit For a Healthy Future cont’d from page 3... The Challenge will be structured around three themes: making fire and rescue staff healthier, making local communities healthier, and raising money for the Firefighters' Charity and other good causes. By focusing on the principles of mass participation, inclusivity, team work, partnership, and creativity in the way we encourage fire service staff to address each of these themes, we're certain the Challenge will inspire people to pick-up the Olympic baton and achieve something remarkable." Lord Coe, Chair of the London organising committee of the Olympic and Paralympic games said; "The Inspire programme is about recognising the work our partners all round the UK are doing to help us achieve this vision now. I congratulate everyone involved for securing the Inspire Mark and wish the 'FireFit Health Challenge' every success with their work."

News from Bury Town Council Quality Town Council award presentation At the Full Council meeting on 24 November 2010 Jayne Cole, Deputy Chief Executive of the Suffolk Association of Local Councils presented the Council with its certificate for reaccreditation of Quality Town Council status.

St Edmunds Day Awards 2010 The Town Council is pleased to have reinstated these awards for 2010 which were presented on Saturday 20 November 2010. Daphne Dyer and Arthur Smith were joint winners of the Citizen of the Year and Joseph Weaver was the winner of the Young Citizen of the Year.

News from West Suffolk College Prince's Trust Team project at Scope Centre Prince's Trust Team 11 at the College chose the Scope Centre for people with cerebral palsy as their community project. Prince's Trust Team members built a bench and shelter area at the Centre in Shakers Lane, Bury St Edmunds as well as renovating the front garden and creating some art work for the rear wall of the building.

Accountants

Team members: Bradley Aldrich , Tom West, James Blythe, Joe Fitzsimons, Amie Watkins, Zoe Bales, Tyrone Gurney, Steven Lake, Kirsti Norton, Zeb Bambridge-Kiddy, Josh Ebbutt, Michelle Mulley, Bradley Houghton, Frankie Lake, Ross Wilsonand Jonny Colwill. Prince's Trust team leader Ola Anderson said: "The Team completed a fantastic project which they took ownership of, especially towards the end, working though their lunch break to finish on Wednesday afternoon, a day ahead of schedule. They have represented the College well." Scope Assistant Manager Sharon Wright was absolutely over the moon with the group's efforts. She said that the Team had exceeded expectations. Unfortunately the children who attend the Scope centre were not on site when the Team completed the project. However, Sharon said Team members will be invited back at a later date to meet the children so they can say thank you. During a hectic week of fundraising, Team members collected £300 towards the cost of the project. Fundraising activities included a three mile run, a cake sale and sponsored leg waxing. Tesco supported the fundraising cake sale. West Suffolk College has been delivering the Team programme since June 2007 and 10 cohorts have successfully completed, supporting more than 100 young people in unlocking their potential, changing their lives.

To advertise...

Carpenters

Call Adrian on 01284 774 778 or email adrian.bradshaw@flyeronline.co.uk

Aerial Services

Counselling Building Services

Please mention the Flyer when responding to advertisements.

www.flyeronline.co.uk

Electricians

www.flyeronline.co.uk

buryflyer_dec2010.qxp

06/12/2010

10:39

Having a ball!

Page 9

Learning Champions rewarded

The first ever ball was held at the apex on Saturday 13 November, not only marking a momentous occasion for Bury St Edmunds' brand new music and entertainment venue but also for The Voice Squad, who organised the ball in celebration of 18 years of amazing singing and performing. The Voice Squad, who performed at the apex several times during its open weekend in October, thought it was the perfect place to host their ball, and it is hoped this will now become an annual event in their calendar. The apex's versatility due to its innovative and unique moveable flooring and seating, combined with its bars in the auditorium and upstairs, makes it the ideal venue for a wide range of events, including balls, dinner dances and formal functions. Saturday saw the floor arranged in its 'flat' permutation, with tables set out around a stunning dance floor. Tony Doherty, Venues Director said "The apex is an ideal facility for balls and banqueting. With a beautiful setting, combined with excellent acoustics the apex is a perfect space for events such as these."

West Suffolk College hosted a lunch to celebrate the success of the Learning Champions programme in November. Learning Champions is a fully funded development package giving organisations the chance to develop their own staff to champion learning. The programme enables participants to access a flexible but structured development programme leading to a recognised Level 3 qualification in learning and development accredited by the Open College Network (OCN). 138 learners have signed up for the programme; some have yet to complete the qualification, and many have gone on to undertake other training and development with the College. Martyn Wagner, Vice Principal Business and Student Services, hosted the event and presented Certificates to some of the individuals who have successfully achieved the Level 3 OCN qualification.

Ian Shipley, representative of The Voice Squad said "The night was a massive success in this new, versatile and exciting venue and was loved by all those present."

He said he was most impressed by the diversity of the group, both in terms of types of business and of geographical location, and by the real buzz created by Learning Champions.

A champagne reception was followed by performances from former member James Morgan and The Voice Squad Cadets in the beautiful upstairs bar, meanwhile their big sister theatre company Half Hour Call performed a selection of musical theatre numbers throughout the meal in the main auditorium. The Voice Squad seniors provided entertainment between dessert and coffee, before people danced the night away to the Ipswich Musicians Union big band.

After presenting the certificates, Mr Wagner gave an update on new funding which will be available. He said the government is promising to invest in sustainable growth, with a consistent funding stream over the next three to four years.

The focus will be on funding Apprenticeships and on supporting training within SMEs (Small to Medium sized Enterprises - fewer than 250 employees).

Stars Come Out To Shine For Focus12 The Bury St Edmunds based drug and alcohol rehabilitation charity, Focus12, is celebrating after raising approximately £29,000 at its annual "Platform12" fundraising dinner and auction in London last weekend. The event was a huge success, with celebrity guests including Davina McCall, Meg Matthews, Sadie Frost, DJ Fat Tony, ex-Frankie Goes to Hollywood frontman Holly Johnson, actors Paul Nicholls, Holly Aird and George Layton, West End star Roger Wright and magician Tariq Knight. The charity, which faces a huge funding deficit of £130,000 following government spending cuts, has been focusing on its fundraising activities to try and plug the gap, and this annual fundraiser plays a huge part in their strategy. The 'Platform12' event was hosted by loyal Focus12 patron Davina McCall, and was held in London at the Andaz Hotel on Liverpool Street. The night was a celebration of the good work that Focus12 do, and began with a champagne and smoothie reception and was followed by a four course meal. The cabaret for the evening was provided by singer Christina Novelli, the daughter of celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, urban dance act Soul Sisters, who Davina met whilst filming "Got to Dance" for Sky One, and finally comedian, Chris Dangerfield, who himself has been through Focus12. Following the cabaret, was the auction of things that money can't buy. The highlight of this was Davina herself successfully bidding for and winning a hot pink hat donated by Boy George, another ardent supporter of Focus12. A lively bidding war followed her starting bid of £200, and boy George who was unable to attend as he was appearing in a show overseas tweeted "@thisisdavina bought my hat at a charity auction for the Focus12 charity, good cause, top woman, goddess in fact!"

Guests also had the opportunity to bid for a signed Arsenal football, a week in a luxury beachfront Antiguan villa, a two night stay at a five star hotel in London with front row seats to see Eric Clapton in concert, a custom designed cake from Brighton based Choccywoccydoodah and a champagne reception at the top of the Gherkin. Comedienne and singer Abi Roberts won the bid for a tour of Westminster and lunch with Dr Daniel Poulter MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, and actress Holly Aird won a private box at a pantomime. Raffle prizes for the event included a ladies Omega watch worth over £2,000, a signed and framed Ipswich Town shirt, a hot air balloon ride, a TUMI briefcase and a Frost French clothing voucher donated by Sadie Frost. Chip Somers, Chief Executive of Focus12 said: "We are so grateful to Davina for getting so involved and offering to host this fundraiser every year - her support means more than ever right now when we are facing such a cutback in government funding. Platform12 was a fantastic night, everyone had a blast, the acts were amazing and the auction prizes went down terrifically well. We are delighted to have raised so much money, which will make a real difference to helping us plug our funding gap".

Letters to the Editor To get your views, stories and ideas published in The Flyer send your letter to us at:

adrian.bradshaw@flyeronline.co.uk

Please mention the Flyer when responding to advertisements.

www.flyeronline.co.uk

buryflyer_dec2010.qxp

06/12/2010

10:40

ITFC Charitable Trust It is with great pleasure to announce that the Ipswich Town Community Trust has changed its name to the ITFC Charitable Trust! Since 2003 the Ipswich Town Community Trust has used sport (in particular football) and the relationship with the Football Club to improve the lives of children, young people and adults living in and around Suffolk. With the new name and logo, which incorporates the Suffolk Punch horse that adorns the Club badge, the ITFC Charitable Trust looks to build on their relationship with the Football Club and enhance their standing as a local charity. Last year alone, 60,000 people took part in Trust activities but very few people not directly involved in the charity are aware of the vast work the Trust carries out. Terry Baxter, Chief Executive of the ITFC Charitable Trust explains "We have always been very proud of the amount of people we help, but felt that we needed to shout much louder about the work we do and to highlight the fact that we are a charity and rely on donations, funding and sponsorship to continue our work in the local community. To find out more about any of the activities and programmes the ITFC Charitable Trust offers please visit www.itfcchartiabletrust.org.uk or call 0845 1369333.

Christmas Special Matchday Soccer Experience packages Make this Christmas one to remember by booking your child up to one of our Christmas Special Matchday Experience Packages. Experience the exciting atmosphere that surrounds Ipswich Town Football

Page 11

Club's stadium on a match day with ITFC's Matchday Soccer Experience. Packages offer an unforgettable opportunity for children aged 5 to 16 years to not only train with our dedicated coaches, but to also enjoy fun prematch games, a tour of the stadium, a chance to perform in the Guard of Honour as the players take to the pitch, 1 child and 1 accompanying adult ticket to watch the match, plus a matchday programme. Christmas Special games include Leicester City (Saturday 18th December), Watford (Sunday 26th December) and Nottingham Forest (Monday 3rd January). Our Christmas Special Packages can be booked at the amazing low price of just £45 so what are you waiting for?

Christmas at The Bury Farmers Club Sunday 12th - Musical Lunch Come along and enjoy live music whilst dining with friends and family. 12noon for 12.30pm.

Thursday 16th - Christmas Draw & Carols Feeling Festive? Come along to the club for carols and a Christmas draw with free Christmas nibbles. 7pm for 7.30pm.

Monday 20th - Children's Christmas Disco There will be party games, lunch and maybe a visit from Santa. There are only a limited number of spaces so book early to avoid disappointment. 1am -3pm. £5 per child.

Friday 31st - New Years Eve Dinner See the New Year in with great company and fantastic service. Enjoy a 6 course meal and live musical entertainment. £65pp.

Christmas Draw We are still collecting prizes for the annual Christmas draw and would be grateful for any prize donations. If you would like to donate a prize please contact front of house on 01284 752460 or frontofhouse@bsefc.co.uk

Don't Forget... Pop in and see us for free coffee and cake every last Saturday of the month to meet committee members and other members, have a chat, raise issues, or just catch up with friends you haven't seen for a while. We look forward to seeing you. For information about joining the club please see our advert below.

Winter Tales at Moyse's Hall Folklore and Fairytales for Christmas are on the menu at Moyse's Hall Museum, Bury St Edmunds on Saturday 11 December between 11am and 4pm. Drop in and hear seasonal tales from Robin Herne, professional storyteller, with stories for all the family. A chance to get into the festive spirit! Normal admission applies. Chills and thrills to send a shiver down the spine are on offer on Sunday 12 December when the Victorian gentleman will be reading another two classic M R James ghost stories; 'An Episode of Cathedral History' and 'Two Doctors'. The talks are suitable for anyone aged 16years through to adult. The cost is £10 per person which includes a seasonal drink and mince pie. Booking is essential as space is limited. The Victorian gentleman says "M R James wrote ghost stories which capture the atmosphere of the late 19th, early 20th century and are subtle enough to ensure you will look over your shoulder next time you are alone in the dark". More information is available from Gill Hawkins, Heritage Officer at Moyse's Hall Museum, on 01284 757161.

Tulips are a Guiding Light Hundreds of thousands of visitors to the famous Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds will enjoy an inspirational new tulip next spring. Guiding Light, from leading horticulturists Thompson and Morgan, is named in honour of Cancer Campaign in Suffolk (CCIS), a charity that aims, through education, information, support and complementary therapies, to reduce the fear of cancer, and to make services more accessible to Suffolk residents. CCIS will receive a donation from the sale of each bulb. The flower is a glorious orange. The double, fragrant blooms unfurl in a soft shade before maturing to a bright tangerine. It will be mass planted in the Fountain Border and under planted with lemon yellow polyanthus. The display will reach its height in May next year. Cllr Lynsey Alexander, St Edmundsbury Borough Council Cabinet member for Culture and Sport said, "We are very pleased to raise awareness for CCIS, which helps local people and is not affiliated to any national charity. The flower is magnificent. It will make an excellent display in the formal Abbey Gardens, and I hope it will offer cheer and pleasure in many private gardens too." Louise Gregory, Fundraising Manager for Cancer Campaign in Suffolk said, 'We cannot provide our valuable advice, emotional support and complementary therapy services without fundraising support, so we are therefore delighted that Thompson and Morgan allowed us to name this very unusual double headed scented tulip, with a percentage of the proceeds from every sale being donated to our cause. We would also like to say a massive thank you to St Edmundsbury Council for purchasing some of our Guiding Light tulips, to be planted in Abbey Gardens. We hope lots of people come and see the flowers in spring."

Please mention the Flyer when responding to advertisements.